France Beats Egypt To Reach Olympic Football Final
Hosts France will play an Olympic men’s football final for the first time in 40 years after beating Egypt 3-1 in extra time at the Lyon stadium, setting up a thrilling showdown against Spain for the gold medal.
Egypt, who were playing its third Olympic semi-final, had more shots on goal during the first half before Mahmoud Saber opened the scoring in the 62nd minute, capitalising on a rebound to power in a second attempt.
France equalised when Jean-Philippe Mateta finally found the net seven minutes from time from a Michael Olise pass through Egypt’s backline.
- Read more: Egypt, Morocco Reach Olympic Football Semis
Then in extra time, Egypt went down to 10 men early when Omar Fayed got a second yellow card for a foul on Desire Doue. The Africans were dealt a further blow when Mateta scored again to put France ahead with a towering header in the 99th minute.
The hosts were not slowing down and extended its lead with the man advantage in style.
Olise also got on the scoresheet three minutes into the second half in extra time to seal the win for France.
It wasn’t meant to be for The Pharaohs. #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/GGvZh2Rcmn
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) August 5, 2024
“What a night! All credit to the players. Egypt were really good today but we never stopped going after the win and the fans pushed us forward,” coach Henry said.
“We have secured a medal now but we have one more step to go to win our first football gold medal after 40 years. Now Spain await us in the final and it’s going to be a big game.”
France’s quest for a second Olympic title will continue in Friday’s final at Parc des Princes against Spain, who earlier beat Morocco 2-1.
Egypt will now play for the bronze-medal against confederation rivals Morocco in Nantes on Thursday.
The final showdown. Bronze on the line. There can only be one winner. #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/4TyQuUvClM
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) August 5, 2024
