Spain’s Juanlu Sanchez, coming in as a substitute, scored a decisive late goal to secure a 2-1 victory over Morocco on Monday, propelling Spain into the final of the Olympics men’s football event.
Morocco had initially taken the lead in the semi-final with a Soufiane Rahimi penalty close to the end of the first half at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
However, Fermin Lopez from Barcelona managed to equalize during the second half and then assisted Sevilla’s right-back Sanchez in scoring the winning goal.
This marks Spain’s second consecutive appearance in the Olympic men’s football final. Spain had previously settled for silver three years ago in Tokyo after a defeat in extra time against Brazil.
Spain, aiming for a second gold medal after their victory in Barcelona in 1992, will head to Paris for the final on Friday, facing either hosts France or Egypt, who are yet to play their semi-final match.
Despite the loss, Morocco can still potentially secure their first medal if they win the bronze medal match scheduled for Thursday in Nantes.
The past winners of the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations had performed commendably in their journey to the semi-finals and seemed poised to surprise Spain with their lead in the 37th minute courtesy of Rahimi.
Morocco was granted a penalty following a VAR review for a foul committed by Pablo Barrios on Amir Richardson in the box, leading Rahimi to successfully convert from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
His goal marked his sixth of the Olympics, making him the top scorer of the tournament, with four of his goals originating from penalty kicks.
Despite the excitement among Moroccan supporters, Spain remained composed, equalizing through their star player in the 66th minute.
Lopez, a member of Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 squad who had previously scored twice in the Olympic quarter-final against Japan, capitalized on loose possession in the box, slotting the ball low into the net to level the score at 1-1.
As extra time seemed imminent, Spain seized the moment in the 85th minute when Lopez spotted Sanchez making a run into the box, with Sanchez firing a low shot into the far corner for the winning goal.
AFP