Amad scores late winner for Ivory Coast as France fall in World Cup warm-up

Amad Diallo marked his return to international duty with a decisive late goal, scoring in the 84th minute to hand Ivory Coast a comeback win over France in a World Cup warm-up fixture. The Manchester United winger, who struggled for form throughout the 2025-26 Premier League season, capped a composed performance with a first-time finish that settled the contest.

France had taken the lead through Manchester City playmaker Rayan Cherki, who danced inside two defenders and drilled the ball into the bottom corner from 18 yards just before half-time. Cherki was given the opportunity to impress with several PSG players rested following their Champions League triumph, and he took it emphatically.

Ivory Coast levelled through Guele Doue after the break, before Doue turned provider for the winner. The winger whipped in a delivery from the right flank and Amad caressed the ball into the bottom corner to complete the turnaround for Emerse Faé’s side.

The goal will be welcomed by United manager Michael Carrick, who had publicly backed Amad despite the forward failing to register a goal contribution until the final day of the Premier League season — when he set up Bryan Mbeumo in a 3-0 win over Brighton.

Carrick had defended the 22-year-old from criticism in the weeks prior, pointing to his broader contributions to the team. “I actually think he is playing well,” Carrick said. “There is an awful lot more in the game, playing in a winning team like he has, to worry about numbers. He gives the team so much. He has got so much talent. His work ethic and attitude is fantastic.”

Carrick also noted that a tactical change, rather than poor form, had been behind one of Amad’s earlier substitutions. “It was unfortunate we had to change things tactically the other night, because that was purely why he came off. But he has given this team an awful lot.”

Amad had been one of United’s standout performers following Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford, contributing 11 goals and ten assists across 2024-25. Replicating that output next season will be central to United’s ambitions, and his finish against France offered an early indication that his confidence is returning ahead of the new campaign.