Two African teams, Morocco and Egypt have sealed their passage into the quarter finals of the men’s football event at the ongoing Olympic games in France. Atlas Lions of Morocco delivered an impressive performance to outclass Asia side Iraq in their last group game on Tuesday at the iconic Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice.
Morocco, who dominated their opponents from start to finish emerged victorious in the encounter with a 3-0 resounding victory. Atlas Lions onslaught in the early part of the game bore fruit as Amir Richardson broke the deadlock in the 19th minute from Achraff Hakimi’s assist after a well-orchestrated team move. The relentless Morocco Olympic football team doubled their lead with a clinical finish from Sofiane Rahimi that left the Iraqi defence in disarray.
The coach Issame Charaï tutored side extended their lead in the 36th minute when Oussama El Azzouzi turned provider for youngster Abde Ezzalzouli to puncture the net and ended Iraq’s resistance. Having lost to the Atlas Lions at the same stage in 2004, Iraq was determined to salvage a late consolation in the contest. However, their best opportunity, taken by Ali Jasim, was blocked by Morocco’s resolute defense. The North African team managed the closing stages with ease, securing their spot in the knockouts and moving one step closer to winning their first-ever Olympic medal.
It was the first time Morocco will reach the knockout stage of the Olympics men’s football event since 1972 and will next face United States of America in the quarter final in France after topping Group B with six points from three games.
In the same vein, a brace from Ibrahim Adel helped Egypt stun Spain in Nantes, as a 2-1 victory over the pre-tournament favorites saw Rogério Micale’s side progress to the quarter-finals as Group C winners. Having secured their spot in the quarter-finals with back-to-back victories over the Dominican Republic and Uzbekistan, Spain fielded a largely different team with 10 changes. Egypt, knowing that avoiding defeat would see them progress alongside Santi Denia’s Spaniards, broke the deadlock five minutes before halftime, as nothing could stop Ibrahim Adel’s exquisite first-time strike, which rocketed into the top corner.
Egypt doubled their lead shortly before the hour-mark when a poorly attempted back-pass from Pacheco set up Adel, who capitalized with a fortuitous finish over Iturbe’s body to score again. Samu Omorodion scored a consolation goal for Spain in the 90th minute with a powerful header. Egypt would then celebrated their qualification and a first-ever head-to-head victory over Spain. The North African team will now face Paraguay in the last eight.
On the flip side, Mali and Guinea failed to make it past the group stage. An early goal by South American team Paraguay dashed Mali’s hope of reaching the knockout stage. Mali finished third on the Group D log with a solitary point. Moreso, Guinea lost by three goals to nil to United States of America in their last group game and finished at the bottom of Group A after loosing all three games.
