Man United star continues superb start to AFCON with stunning strike as crunch clash with Old Trafford team-mate ends all square

Manchester United star Amad Diallo continued his superb start to the Africa Cup of Nations with his second goal of the tournament in Ivory Coast’s 1-1 draw with Cameroon on Sunday.

Amad gave his country the lead in the Group F encounter in Marrakesh six minutes into the second half with a trademark finish.

The 23-year-old received a long, crossfield pass and ran towards the box before cutting inside and curling a superb effort into the far corner from just outside the area.

Cameroon, featuring Amad’s United team-mate Bryan Mbeumo, hit back five minutes later through a Ghislain Konan own goal.

Amad finished the match with a 95 per cent pass accuracy rate and 100 per cent of his tackles won. 

Neither side could find a winner and the match ended level, with both teams expected to qualify for the last 16 in a blow to United and Ruben Amorim, who will be desperate for their two stars to return.

Amad scored the winner in Ivory Coast’s opener against Mozambique on December 24. After latching on to a Kessie knockdown in the box, he slotted home with a sweetly-struck effort on his right foot. 

Amad and Mbeumo have both enjoyed impressive starts to the campaign with United after the latter’s move from Brentford in a deal worth £65million in the summer. 

Mbeumo has notched seven goals and provided one assist while Amad, playing in a more defensive wing-back position, has scored two and provided three.

United lost their first match without two of their key men when they were beaten 2-1 by Aston Villa on December 21 but bounced back with a 1-0 win over Newcastle on Boxing Day.

Ivory Coast conclude their Group F campaign against Gabon and Cameroon play Mozambique, with both matches scheduled for December 31.