Hosts France will play in the Olympic men’s football final for the first time in 40 years after defeating Egypt 3-1 in extra time at the Lyon stadium on Monday. France will face Spain in the gold medal match.
France fought back after conceding their first goal in the tournament when Mahmoud Saber scored a stunning goal for Egypt, leveling the score after Jean-Philippe Mateta had given France an early lead.
Mateta secured a double before Michael Olise scored in extra time to earn Thierry Henry’s side the victory and extend their quest for a second Olympic title in Friday’s final at Parc des Princes against Spain, who earlier defeated Morocco 2-1.
“What a night! All credit to the players. Egypt was really good today, but we never stopped going after the win, and the fans pushed us forward,” Coach Henry said.
“We have secured a medal now, but we have one more step to go to win our first football gold medal after 40 years. Now Spain awaits us in the final, and it’s going to be a big game.”
Egypt, who were playing their third Olympic semi-final, had more shots on goal during the first half before Saber opened the scoring in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a rebound to power in a second attempt.
France, who hit the woodwork three times throughout the match, equalized when Mateta finally found the net seven minutes from time, as Olise passed through Egypt’s defense.
Egypt went down to 10 men early in extra time when Omar Fayed received a second yellow card for a foul on Desire Doue, and they were dealt a further blow when Olise scored again to put France ahead with a towering header in the 99th minute.
“We put our hearts into these games,” Mateta said. “But I need one more night now with the boys and the fans; they kept chanting even after we went behind.”
