Morocco vs Egypt – 2024 Olympics – Preview, Team News and Updates

07 Aug 2024 ScoreWaves Staff view

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The men’s football tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics has entertained fans for almost two weeks. However, the tournament is in its final phase, with the finals scheduled for the 9th of August.

However, before the finals, bronze medal match will take place between Morocco and Egypt on 8th August. The two African nations have had a very impressive tournament. However, they fell at the last hurdle, as they lost to much more talented opponents. Morocco lost their semifinal clash against Spain by a scoreline of 2-1, while France needed extra time to overcome Egypt in the other semifinal.

Now, the two nations face each other in what could be described as a consolation game. However, with the bronze medal on the line, both the nations will put out formidable lineups.

Morocco vs Egypt – Match Preview

Before the start of the 2024 Olympics, few football fans would have predicted that Morocco and Egypt will advance to the semifinals. However, these two nations have a knack for exceeding expectations. before their dream run at the 2024 Olympics, Morocco embarked on a fairytale run to the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup. They defeated the likes of Spain and Portugal on their way to the semis.

The Atlas Lions started their Olympics campaign in excellent fashion, securing a 2-1 win against Argentina. However, they lost to Ukraine in their second game by a scoreline of 2-0. Morocco rebounded in remarkable fashion in their last group stage game, defeating Iraq 3-0. The Atlas Lions continued their remarkable goal scoring form in the quarters, as they eased past USA by a scoreline of 4-0. However, their dream run came to an end against Spain in the semis. Despite putting up a valiant effort, an 85th minute thunderbolt from Juanlu Sanchez ended Morocco’s Olympic campaign.

On the other hand, Egypt haven’t been as free scoring as Morocco. In fact, the Pharaohs scored just five goals in five matches. But for what they lack on the offensive end, their defence surely makes up for it. The Egyptians only conceded two goals in four goals before their semifinal clash against France. Although the French scored three goals against Egypt in the semis, they needed 120 minutes to do so. Egypt restricted them to just one goal in regulation time.

With both teams having contrasting styles of playing football, the bronze medal match promises to be an enthralling affair. But which African nation will come out on top?

Morocco vs Egypt – Team News and Updates

Many fans feel that the bronze medal match will be dull and uneventful. This is partly because both teams are coming off semi-final losses. Another key factor is Egypt’s pragmatic approach; the Pharaohs are likely to surrender possession and sit back in a low block. However, such tactics have severed Egypt and their Brazilian head coach Rogerio Micale well at the 2024 Olympics.

Micale will likely stick with his tried and tested rearguard of Alaa, Fayed, Abdelmeguid, Eid and El-Debes. Former Gunner Mohamed Elneny will patrol the spaces in front of defence. The front three of Ibrahim Adel, Zizo and Faisal will shoulder most of the offensive responsibilities. Ibrahim Adel has caught the eye with his performances at the Olympics, netting three of Egypt’s five goals at the 2024 Olympics.

On the contrary, Morocco will look to take the game to Egypt and play on the front foot. In recent years, Morocco has produced several talented players, who currently play in some of the best leagues in Europe. PSG star Achraf Hakimi will captain his nation on Thursday. Key player Bilal El Khannous will also return to the starting 11 after missing the semifinals due to a suspension.

Former Barcelona wingers Abde Ezzalzouli and Illias Akhomach will provide creativity from the wide areas. Meanwhile, Moroccan striker Soufiane Rahimi will look to add to his tally of six goals. He is currently the top scorer of the tournament.