Manchester United youngster Amad Diallo continues to make a name for himself as he registered a crucial assist in Ivory Coast’s 2-1 win against Saudi Arabia at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.
An own goal from Abdulelah Alamri sent Côte d’Ivoire ahead in the first half, but Saudi Arabia went level soon courtesy of a strike from Salem Aldawsari right before halftime.
But the Elephants had their advantage restored via a Franck Kessié strike in the 67th minute – courtesy of an assist by Amad Diallo.
A loosely placed ball by a Saudi defender caused a turnover for Côte d’Ivoire in the opposition half, and Diallo was fed the ball and asked to cause problems for the Green Falcons. And that is exactly what he did, and the 19-year-old looked like a veteran while at it.
Diallo stormed into the penalty area with intent, and showed immense composure to hold off pressure from the first defender as he turned him to his avail – and then glided past the second challenge to expertly slip the ball into Kessié waiting on the edge of the area.
The AC Milan midfielder obliged with a brilliant turn and slotted the ball into the back of the net with a fiery left-footed strike, but it was all Diallo’s good work that led to the situation in the very first place.
#Soccer ⚽ : La Côte d’Ivoire augmente son avance avec un but. Elle mène maintenant 2-1 contre l’Arabie saoudite. @Tokyo2020#tokyo2020#rcolympiques pic.twitter.com/DeCSn58SV1
— Radio-Canada Sports (@RC_Sports) July 22, 2021
Diallo showed composure beyond his years as he took on the much more experienced Saudi defenders to carve out a chance for his team, in a passage of play that would excite Manchester United fans about the talent that they have on their hands.
The Red Devils supporters will hope that the next term proves to be their young talent’s breakthrough season, while Côte d’Ivoire who are making their first Olympics appearance since 2008 – will hope for more of the same to continue from their highly-rated superstar.