Paris Olympics: North African battle for bronze and much more

It could have been an all-North African Olympic final in men's football, but European champion Spain and the host France ruined that unique match-up with their respective semi-final triumphs.

Egypt and Morocco have to settle with a bronze-medal game today at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, which seems like a spectacular game in prospect. The winner will bring home their country's first-ever medal in men's football.

Paris Olympics: All-African battle for bronze as Egypt loses to France

Both teams have shown lots of qualities during the tournament.

The Pharaohs conceded a late goal against Les Bleus to send the game into extra time, where they could not hold off the host nation, especially once they went down to ten men.

On the other hand, Morocco have been one of the biggest surprises at the Olympics. The Atlas Lions won Group B, topping World Cup winners Argentina, and then cruised to the semi-finals after trashing the United States 4-0. Although Tarik Sektioui's men fell to Spain, they just need one more victory to secure their spot on the podium.

Egypt will be without Omar Fayed, who was sent off against France, as Mohamed Elneny will lead the Pharaos in this crucial game. He'll be facing Achraf Hakimi on the other end, another true leader who's been putting in an impressive effort in all the matches so far, thus inspiring his young teammates.

OLYMPIC GAMES - MEN'S FOOTBALL

Bronze-medal game

Thursday

18.00: (4.90) Egypt M23 (3.60) Morocco M23 (1.75)

***odds are subject to change***