The first big success for Africa in the Olympics football tournament was Morocco and Egypt‘s qualifications to the semi-finals, where they were faced with two favorites for the gold: Spain and France. The Atlas Lions had the first ‘match point‘ of the day. Morocco played against the Red Fury and took the lead in the first half, only to allow the total turnaround in the second part of the game: Spain – Morocco 2-1. After a deserved triumph in recently finished EURO 2024, the Red Fury is again in the finals of another big tournament, this time with the U 23 squad, led by Barcelona‘s Fermin Lopez who was on the scoreboard again, with his fourth goals in five matches so far. His equalizer lifted up Spain, until Juanlu‘s winner five minutes from time brought them a place in the finals and at least a silver medal.⚽️ Goal: Soufiane Rahimi | Morocco 1-0 SpainSuccess penalty kick by Rahimi pic.twitter.com/0IQG5SoX4I— PushGoals (@PushGoals) August 5, 2024 Two most interesting things in the first half was injury to the referee and the penalty for Morocco. In the 13th minute, Spanish right-back Pubill unintentionally wiped out the referee, who went out hobbling a little. He was unable to continue so the fourth official stepped up and finished the game. His first task – to consult with VAR over a potential penalty for Morocco. It was evident that Pablo Barioss kicked Richardson in the leg so the The Atlas Lions had a chance to score first. Hakimi had the ball in his hands and was the focus of a lot of distraction tactics from Spain, but then passed it to striker Rahimi at the last moment, and he stepped up and slotted his spot-kick home before dancing in the face of the rattled Spanish stopper. Morocco was close to scoring its second goal in injury time, but Ben Seghir narrowly missed the goal. 🏅 GOAL | Morocco 1-1 Spain | Fermin Lopez scored a Equalizer in Olympic semi finals !! pic.twitter.com/8ABUCsTL55— Beyond Thinking (@Beyondthinkingd) August 5, 2024 But everything went wrong in the second half for Morocco. Spain was better (even without the scoring) while the Atlas Lions failed to secure a better display after taking the lead, and the statistics are there to prove it: 10 total shots but none on target. Spain had three, two of which resulted in goals. Barcelona‘s gem Fermin was poised enough to score the leveler in the 65th minute. He was the most dangerous Spanish player in the first half, but both his attempts were not from good positions. However, he didn‘t miss this one. The Red Fury continued to attack, while Morocco‘s effort went near the bar or over it. Spain delivered a deadly blow in the 85th minute, when Seville‘s Juanlu Sanchez went into the box and took a precise shot to the far corner for the winner and the place to the finals. 🏅 GOAL | Morocco 1-2 Spain | Juanlu has given a lead 🤯.. pic.twitter.com/Vou8mN3dLu— Beyond Thinking (@Beyondthinkingd) August 5, 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES – FOOTBALL TOURNAMENTSemi-finalsMondayMorocco – Spain 1-2 (1-0)/Rahimi (p) 37 – Fermin 65, Junalu 85/22:00: (1.37) France (4.80) Egypt (9.00)***odds are subject to change***
