Amad Shines for Ivory Coast; JJ Gabriel’s England U17 Falls to Japan

Amad Diallo and JJ Gabriel showcased their talents for their national teams on Saturday, though the outcomes were drastically different.
Amad Shines for Ivory Coast
Amad returned to international duty with the Ivory Coast, marking his first appearance since the disappointment at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). His team faced Japan, and Amad made an immediate impact after coming off the bench.
He contributed significantly to a convincing 4-0 victory, registering an assist in just 26 minutes of play. This performance continued Amad’s trend of being a key contributor for his national side while struggling to replicate that success at Manchester United.
Amad’s International Performance Stats
- For Ivory Coast (2025/26 Season):
- Appearances: 12
- Goals: 4
- Assists: 3
- For Manchester United (2025/26 Season):
- Appearances: 26
- Goals: 2
- Assists: 3
Despite his international success, Amad’s club performance has left much to be desired, indicating that he has the potential to excel beyond his current statistics.
JJ Gabriel Faces Defeat with England U17
Meanwhile, JJ Gabriel made headlines earlier in the week by debuting with the England U17 squad. He performed well in a victory against the Faroe Islands but faced a challenging match against Israel on Saturday.
The England U17 team suffered a 3-1 defeat, with the lone goal scored by Ryan Kavuma-McQueen. This loss puts England’s chances of qualification for the U17 European Championship in jeopardy, complicating their upcoming match against Estonia.
Upcoming Challenges for England U17
The upcoming match against Estonia will be crucial for the team’s qualification hopes. As they regroup, the performance of players like JJ Gabriel will be key to their success.
In summary, while Amad Diallo excelled for the Ivory Coast, JJ Gabriel and the England U17 team faced adversity, highlighting the unpredictability of international football.




