Amad speaks out after his match-winning World Cup heroics for Ivory Coast | OneFootball

Manchester United forward Amad has shared his verdict after inspiring the Ivory Coast to a stunning victory over Ecuador in their World Cup opener.

Heroic Amad

Despite standing out for the Ivory Coast and netting the winning goal against France in the nation’s previous outing, Amad was named on the bench.

Team boss Emerse Fae opted for Bazoumana Toure and Yan Diomande on either wing.

Ecuador emerged as the more threatening side during the first half, twice striking the crossbar courtesy of John Yeboah and Alan Minda. But the Ivory Coast gradually grew into the game and eventually took control.

Diomande, who has been linked with a move to United, was particularly a thorn in Ecuador’s side, although some of his final actions were lacking. Elye Wahi then hit the crossbar for Fae’s side in the second half, before Amad and Ange-Yoan Bonny were introduced and breathed fresh life into the Ivorians.

Amad delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time. The United man sidefooted a superb ball from Wilfried Singo into the back of the net.

His goal sparked wild celebrations as the Ivory Coast kicked off their World Cup campaign with a win. In scoring, Amad became the youngest scorer in the country’s finals history.

Statisticians Opta note that despite only being introduced in the 56th minute, Amad no player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has totalled more successful take-ons than Amad did against Ecuador.

Amad’s reaction

Amad told the media, “We knew it was going to be a difficult match because we know the Ecuadorian players are physically strong.”

“We couldn’t play into their hands. We had to impose our own game and that is what we tried to do.”

He added, “They put us in trouble on several occasions, obviously, but we stayed clear-headed, we stayed focused. We continued to believe in our chances until the end.”

“In the end, we gained three points and now we need to focus on the next two matches.”

Amad and his countrymen will now turn their attention to Saturday’s meeting with Germany in Toronto.

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