Morocco triumphed over Argentina with a 2-1 victory in the opening match of the Paris Olympics football event. Morocco surged ahead with a 2-0 lead early in the game, but a contentious Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision at the end sealed the North African team’s win in Saint-Etienne.
Argentina’s Cristian Medina believed he had equalized with the last kick of the game to secure a 2-2 draw. However, VAR disallowed the goal for offside after a two-hour suspension of the match.
Soufiane Rahimi gave Morocco the lead just before halftime and then doubled their advantage from the penalty spot six minutes into the second half. Giuliano Simeone scored for Argentina in the 68th minute, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
Center referee Glen Nyberg added fifteen minutes of stoppage time due to time-wasting. Medina thought he had scored a stoppage-time winner after the Moroccan goalkeeper made several crucial saves.
However, chaos ensued as Moroccan fans invaded the pitch, throwing objects and even firing a flare at the Argentina bench, forcing the game to halt. After a lengthy delay, the VAR review confirmed the offside call, and Morocco held on for a 2-1 victory.
In other Group C action, Morocco and Iraq U23 both secured three points, with Iraq narrowly defeating Ukraine 2-1.
Meanwhile, Egypt U23 played to a goalless draw against the Dominican Republic. Despite making their 13th appearance at the Olympics—the highest in Africa—Egypt could not break down their debutant opponents at La Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes.
(cable)