- France triumphed over Egypt to secure their spot in the men’s Olympic football final
- The hosts appeared on the brink of elimination after Mahmoud Saber scored for Egypt
- A determined comeback with goals from former Crystal Palace teammates sealed the victory
France advanced to the men’s Olympic football gold medal match in thrilling style, fueled by a brace from two former Crystal Palace teammates.
Thierry Henry’s squad was widely considered favorites to clinch gold on home turf, but Egypt threatened to spoil the celebration as tournament’s leading scorer Mahmoud Saber put them ahead in the 62nd minute.
France pressed for an equalizer as the match neared its conclusion, finally achieving it when Michael Olise set up Jean-Philippe Mateta, who found the net with under ten minutes of regular time remaining.
As the clock wound down, the hosts seemed to be awarded a penalty during stoppage time for a handball in the box.
Though a VAR review indicated possible contact, the referee maintained that a push was responsible for the incident, and play progressed into extra time.
France secured their spot in the Olympic gold medal match with a 3-1 victory over Egypt
Thierry Henry’s team will face Spain on Friday for a chance to claim Olympic gold
Top scorer Mahmoud Saber shocked the home crowd by giving Egypt the lead
The hosts equalized late in the game as Michael Olise assisted his former teammate Jean-Philippe Mateta
Omar Fayed received a yellow card amid the controversy over the referee’s decision, a caution that proved costly when he was later sent off for a foul on Desire Doue, leaving Egypt with ten players.
Capitalizing on their numerical advantage, Les Blues took the lead once more as Mateta headed the ball in from close range.
As he celebrated, an emotional Henry could be seen soaking in the jubilant atmosphere at Groupama Stadium in Lyon, striking a pose reminiscent of Eric Cantona with his arms wide open for the cheering crowd.
The hosts weren’t done yet, as Olise struck a third goal in the latter stages of extra time, propelling France into Friday’s gold medal match at Parc des Princes.
Egypt faced a disadvantage of ten players in extra-time after Omar Fayed received a second yellow card
Mateta was on hand to head home from close range, putting Les Blues in the lead
Bayern’s new signing Olise netted the third goal, sealing the win for France
This victory leaves Henry’s team just 90 minutes away from securing France’s first football Olympic gold since the 1984 Los Angeles Games, as they prepare to face Spain at Parc des Princes.
Meanwhile, Egypt will aim to claim their first Olympic football medal when they take on Morocco in the bronze medal match on Thursday.
