Amad Diallo marks return to national team with a fine performance as Ivory Coast beat Zambia

Manchester United winger Amad Diallo marked his return to the Ivory Coast national team with a good performance as they beat Zambia.

Ivory Coast grabbed a 2-0 win over Zambia on Friday, in what was an African Cup of Nations qualifying clash.

A late double from Jean-Phillippe Krasso was enough for the Elephants to run out winners at Stade de la Paix.

Amad was recently recalled to the Ivory Coast squad for the first time in 18 months, as his side began their defence of the African Cup of Nations title.

Before his involvement vs. Zambia, the United man had won the last of his six caps for the Ivorians in March 2023, missing out on AFCON glory when his nation won the competition on home soil.

Following his excellent performances at club level, it was no surprise that Amad was named in the starting XI to face Zambia, and he certainly didn’t disappoint.

Interestingly, the 22-year-old primarily played in a midfield role, with Oumar Diakite deployed on the right wing instead.

During the 70 minutes he was on the pitch before being replaced by Benie Traore, Amad had 63 touches of the ball to his name.

He misplaced just one of the 34 passes he attempted, managing an impressive pass accuracy of 97. Four of his passes were key passes.

The Red Devils forward tried to find his teammates with eight crosses. He found his target four times.

Amad registered three shots. Two were off-target while one required Tresford Lawrence Mulenga to swing into immediate action.

He missed one big chance.

One area Amad will be keen to improve on ahead of Ivory Coast’s next match is his dribbling. He embarked on six dribbles and failed to complete any of them.

The United no.16 won two of the 10 ground duels he contested. He drew in two could and made one interception.

(Stats obtained from Sofascore)

Ivory Coast’s next meeting is against Chad on Tuesday and Amad will undoubtedly be hoping to get another start.

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