Moises Caicedo becomes first Brighton player to score at World Cup

The 21-year-old was unmarked at the back post to slot home from a flick on when Ecuador were 1-0 down in their final group game on Tuesday.

His equaliser in the 67th minute meant that Ecuador would progress to the round of 16 instead of Senegal.

Unfortunately for Albion’s Ecuadorian contingent, that fabled second place in the group would not last long.

• READ MORE: Caicedo wants the world to talk about him - and his mates to be dancing in the street

Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly scored a volley just two minutes later which would ultimately prove enough for them to finish second without their talisman Sadio Mane.

Despite the disappointment of bowing out of his first World Cup, it was a proud moment for Caicedo and a testament to how far Brighton have come.

It could have been team mate Estupinan who claimed the historic landmark.

Estupinan chasing down Cody Gakpo (Image: Press Association)

Albion’s summer arrival thought he had scored against Holland when he turned the ball home but offside was given against Jackson Porozo after a check.

Just ahead of the World Cup, Caicedo spoke to The Argus about his ambitions for the competition.

He said: “We are all important players.

“But I want to be a very fundamental part.

“I want people to talk and know my name around the world.

“That’s why I am preparing well, that my name begins to be heard around the whole world.”

Caicedo against Leeds

Caicedo joined Albion for an undisclosed fee on February 1, 2021, on a four and a half year deal.

He went on loan to Beerschot in the Belgium top flight before returning to Brighton in the new year.

Caicedo worked his way into the team before getting his first start against Arsenal in April this year.

The youngster registered an assist for Enock Mwepu who scored a sumptuous volley.

From here, Albion’s form improved exponentially and Caicedo has remained one of the first names on the team sheet.

Albion players still in the World Cup are Leandro Trossard, Kaoru Mitoma, Tariq Lamptey, Robert Sanchez and Alexis Mac Allister. All five have their final group game to play still.