By Morocco Falls to Ukraine in Stoppage Time Heartbreak at Paris 2024 Olympics
Following their prestigious 2-1 victory over Argentina, the Moroccan Olympic team experienced a bitter defeat, succumbing to Ukraine 2-1 in the 98th minute in Saint-Etienne this Saturday, as part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Despite having a numerical advantage and pushing for a win after equalizing, the Atlas Lion Cubs faced a harsh setback.
Cheered on by a sea of red-clad fans, the Moroccans started strong, with Ben Seghir and Ez Abde making impactful runs that forced the Ukrainians into committing fouls. However, it was Khlan who managed the first shot on target, which was safely handled by the vigilant Munir.
After missing a crucial free kick, Hakimi tried to take charge but saw his shot sail just behind the goal. This proved to be a turning point, as the Ukrainians capitalized on the next play. Bragaru outmaneuvered El-Azzouzi on the left wing and crossed the ball to Khlan, who beat Ben Seghir to score from close range, making it 1-0 in the 22nd minute.
— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) July 27, 2024
Morocco’s Comeback Efforts
Shaken by the early goal, Tarik Sektioui’s squad took several minutes to regain composure. During this period, Munir showcased his skills by saving a powerful header from Khlan, who had been brilliantly set up by Bragaru.
The U23 African champions finally sparked to life just before halftime, exerting significant pressure on Ukraine’s defense. Despite multiple attempts, the Ukrainians managed to block their crosses, and Ez Abde’s shot resembled Hakimi’s earlier effort, falling short of the goal.
Rahimi to the Rescue Again
Continuing their momentum after the break, the Atlas Lion Cubs remained aggressive. Though Hakimi missed a header, El Khannouss finally found the target, albeit with a weak shot. Morocco then had a golden double opportunity, but Ukrainian goalkeeper Fesyun managed to deflect Richardson’s shot before Rahimi, who had scored a double against Argentina, was thwarted at close range.
Moments later, Al-Ain striker Rahimi earned a penalty after a VAR review confirmed that Salyuk, the last defender, fouled him and was consequently sent off. Rahimi confidently converted his second penalty of the tournament, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 64th minute.
— AlmarssadPro (@ProsMarocains) July 27, 2024
Krasnopir’s Last-Minute Stunner
With Ukraine down to ten men, the match turned into a defensive battle for them. Yet, Krasnopir created the best chance, only to be denied by Munir. The Moroccan offensive machine then went into overdrive, putting immense pressure on the Ukrainian goal. Fesyun made an acrobatic save on an Ez Abde free kick and blocked shots from Rahimi and Akhomach at the last moment.
Substitute Maouhoub had the match-winning shot in the dying seconds but was intercepted by Fesyun. Seconds later, a loose ball in the Moroccan half allowed Krasnopir to score from close range, sealing a 2-1 victory for Ukraine in the 98th minute. A harsh defeat for the Atlas Lion Cubs leaves Group B wide open, as all four teams are tied with three points each. Morocco will face Iraq on Tuesday in a crucial match for qualification.
— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) July 27, 2024
