Olympic Men’s Football Report: Medina’s Equalizer Ruled Invalid – Argentina U23 Loses to Morocco U23 in Opening Match

Key Events

In the 2nd minute of first-half stoppage time, Ahomach delivered a clever backheel pass, and Hannous sent in a cross from the right side of the penalty area. Rahimi scored with a close-range shot, putting Morocco U23 ahead 1-0 just before halftime.

In the 49th minute, Ahomach broke into the box, and Sole fouled him by pushing him from behind. The referee awarded a penalty after consulting VAR.

In the 51st minute, Rahimi converted the penalty for his second goal, doubling Morocco U23’s lead to 2-0.

In the 68th minute, Almada provided a cross from the right, and Sole struck the ball towards the goal. Simonne scored with a sliding shot, reducing the deficit to 1-2 for Argentina U23!

In the last moments of stoppage time, Argentina mounted an attack, and Medina headed the ball into the net. The referee checked the goal’s validity with VAR, but the match was temporarily interrupted when fans invaded the pitch.

Two hours later, the International Olympic Committee confirmed that the match would continue for three minutes, and Medina’s goal was ruled out due to offside.

Match Report

On July 24 at 21:00, the first round of Group B matches in the 2024 Paris Olympic men’s football tournament saw Argentina U23 face Morocco U23.

In the 4th minute of the first half, Ashraf delivered a set-piece cross, and Alvarez cleared the ball with his arm. Rahimi complained about a handball, but the referee did not award a penalty after consulting VAR.

In the 16th minute, Alvarez played a through ball, and Medina’s attempt went out of play.

In the 23rd minute, Ashraf passed the ball to Ahomach, who took a shot from inside the box, but it missed the target entirely.

In the 27th minute, Almada delivered a set-piece cross, and Otamendi headed the ball, which also went wide.

In the 32nd minute, Bensegir passed the ball to the right, and Otamendi tackled Rahimi aggressively, causing him to fall in pain, but the referee did not take any action.

In the 37th minute, Bensegir delivered a set-piece cross, and Rulli punched the ball away to avert danger.

In the 39th minute, Ahomach elbowed Sole while breaking free, receiving a yellow card from the referee.

At halftime, Argentina U23 trailed Morocco U23 0-1.

In the 60th minute, Ashraf broke down the right flank and crossed the ball, but Rahimi’s shot was saved by Rulli.

In the 65th minute, Alvarez passed the ball to Simonne, who attempted to cross, but Boukamil intercepted it first.

In the 72nd minute, Almada delivered a long set-piece into the box, and Amin, who had just come on as a substitute, headed the ball, but Kajoui made a diving save.

In the 82nd minute, Goundou intercepted the ball and played it to Alvarez, who had a clear chance but was denied by a brilliant save from Kajoui.

The referee added 15 minutes of stoppage time.

In the 97th minute, Simonne took a powerful shot from a tight angle on the right side of the box, but Ashraf made a crucial clearance.

In the last moments of stoppage time, Argentina launched an attack, and Medina headed the ball into the net.

The referee checked the goal’s validity with VAR, but the match was temporarily interrupted when fans invaded the pitch.

Two hours later, the International Olympic Committee confirmed that the match would continue for three minutes, and Medina’s goal was ruled out due to offside. The match continued with a 1-2 scoreline.

The final whistle blew, and Argentina U23 lost 1-2 to Morocco U23.

Player Lineups

Argentina U23 (4-4-2):

1-Rulli; 16-Otamendi; 4-Garcia (84′ 11-Echeverri); 2-Disesar; 3-Sole (71′ 6-Amin); 8-Medina; 14-Heze (71′ 5-Fernandez); 7-Zenon (54′ 17-Simonne); 9-Alvarez; 10-Almada; 18-Bertran (69′ 15-Goundou)

Bench: 12-Brey; 13-Lujan

Morocco U23 (3-4-3):

1-Kajoui; 2-Ashraf; 11-Wahidi; 4-Boukamil; 14-Tagharine; 18-Richardson; 17-Azzouzi (80′ 3-Nakachi); 8-Hannous; 9-Rahimi; 10-Ahomach (59′ 16-Ezzalzouli); 7-Benseghir (80′ 13-Kahtah)

Bench: 12-Ghanemi; 5-Tahif; 6-Bouchawari; 15-Maoub