Paris Olympics: The roar from the Atlas! Lions take the bronze medal!

Morocco brushed Egypt aside in a bronze-medal game 6-0, noting one of the most convincing victories in the Olympic Games history! The Atlas Lions were in charge on the pitch from the first minute, while the Pharaohs didn't show any sign of fighting spirit, especially in the second half. Soufiane Rahimi scored a brace, while Ezzalzouli, El Khannous, Nakach, and Hakimi also put their names on the scoresheet.

Both teams had challenging tasks in the semi-final and fought brilliantly. Egypt lost to the host France only after extra time, while Morocco threw the first punch against Spain but eventually lost the game. However, the motivation was high since both the Pharaohs and the Atlas Lions felt this was an excellent opportunity for their first-ever medal in football at the Olympics.

Given the importance of the match, the rivals were visibly under a tad of pressure. Twelve minutes into the game, Egypt suffered the first blow since Zizo got injured and had to leave the pitch for Mostafa Saad. Eleven minutes later - an even bigger problem for the Pharaohs since Morocco broke the deadlock! Abde Ezzalzouli unleashed a fantastic effort from just outside the box into the top right corner, beating Hamza Alaa for 1-0!

After only three minutes, Egypt suffered a complete knockout! This time, the scorer of the opening goal found Soufiane Rahimi with an ideal cross, who found the net with a perfect header, scoring his seventh goal at the tournament and (probably) confirming the top scorer title.

After the second goal, the Atlas Lions deliberately lowered the game's pace, focusing on keeping the lead. The Egyptians knew they needed a goal before the break to reduce the gap and renew their confidence, but their offence was futile. However, truth be said, the teams were pretty equal in the first 45 minutes statistically: 50-50% possession and five shots each, with Morocco having three on target, compared to the Pharaohs two. The only difference was that Tarik Sektioui's crew used their chances.

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At the beginning of the second half, Egypt boss Rogerio Micale tried shaking things up by subbing in Ahmed Atef for Karim El Debes, but the outcome was the same as before - a goal to Morocco! Six minutes after the break, Bilal El Khannous weaved his way past the rivals and put the ball behind Alaa's back with a magnificent strike from the edge of the box - 3-0!

The 64th minute brought the fourth goal for Morocco and the second today for Rahimi! Ilias Akhomach sent a perfect pass to the Al Ain forward, who was impeccable in a one-on-one situation. Only nine minutes later, Rahimi assisted, and the defender Akram Nakach found the bottom right corner of Egypt's goal with a superb strike, making it 5-0!

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Three minutes before the end, it was time for the captain to score! Three minutes before the end, it was time for the captain to score! Achraf Hakimi smashed the ball into the net from a free kick, sending the ball over the wall - 6-0!

The Egyptians were obviously still disheartened after the semi-final defeat and couldn't find the strength to fight today. On the other hand, the Atlas Lions were much more motivated, finishing the Olympics triumphally, just like they started, having beaten Argentina. This is Morocco's second medal at the Olympic Games 2024 after Soufiane El Bakkali's gold in the 3000-meter steeplechase race.

OLYMPIC GAMES - MEN'S FOOTBALL

Bronze-medal game

Thursday

Egypt - Morocco 0-6 (0-2)

/Ezzalzouli 23, Rahimi 26, 64, El Khannous 51, Nakach 73, Hakimi 87/

Gold-medal game

Friday

19.00: (2.45) France M23 (3.15) Spain M23 (3.05)

***odds are subject to change***