Jean-Philippe Mateta scored twice as France staged a comeback to defeat 10-man Egypt 3-1 after extra time, securing their place in the men’s Olympic football final.
The win ensures that Thierry Henry’s side will earn a medal for the first time in 40 years when they face Spain at the Parc des Princes on Friday (17:00 BST).
Egypt took the lead with a powerful close-range header from Mahmoud Saber, but Mateta equalised late in regular time, capitalising on a pass from Michael Olise.
France took control in extra time, with Mateta heading the hosts in front nine minutes into the period, following Omar Fayed’s dismissal for a second yellow card. Fayed’s first booking had come in stoppage time of the second half, protesting a VAR-reviewed penalty decision.
- Spain secure Olympic Football final spot with comeback win over Morocco
Olise added a third goal to seal the victory for France. Egypt will now face Morocco in the bronze medal match in Nantes on Thursday (16:00 BST).
France’s journey to the final included a 3-0 win over the USA, a narrow victory over Guinea, and a dominant performance against New Zealand to top their group.
They then edged past Argentina in the quarter-finals before their decisive win over Egypt. The final against Spain is scheduled for Friday, August 9, 2024.
About The Author
You may also like
-
Zamalek stun Al Ahly in shootout to lift fifth CAF Super Cup title
-
Elisha Owusu scores first Ligue 1 goal as Auxerre thrash Brest
-
‘Irreplaceable’ Rodri to miss remainder of season with terrible injury
-
Majeed Ashimeru backs Kompany to thrive as Bayern Munich head coach
-
AmaZulu FC confirm signing of Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori