Morocco Claims Olympic Bronze in Soccer

NANTES, France (AP) — In a stunning display of skill and teamwork, Morocco clinched the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics with a resounding 6-0 victory over Egypt. Soufiane Rahimi was the standout performer, netting two goals, while Abde Ezzalzouli, Bilal El Khannouss, Akram Nakach, and Achraf Hakimi also contributed to the scoreline. The match, held at La Beaujoire Stadium, saw Morocco take a commanding 2-0 lead by halftime, much to the delight of their passionate supporters. Rahimi's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he finished the tournament with eight goals, the highest of any player. This victory marks Morocco's first-ever podium finish at the Olympics, a significant achievement that follows the national team's impressive run to the semifinals in the 2022 World Cup. The Moroccan fans have been a constant source of inspiration, showcasing their fervent support throughout the tournament, including a dramatic incident during the group stage match against Argentina. The match saw the return of midfielder El Khannouss, who had been suspended for the semifinal, and he quickly made an impact by scoring Morocco's third goal shortly after halftime. Rahimi added his second goal in the 64th minute and assisted Nakach's goal shortly after. Hakimi capped off the scoring with a late free kick, solidifying Morocco's dominance in the match. On the other hand, Egypt faced challenges with the absence of key players, including Omar Fayed, who received a red card in the semifinal, and winger Zizo, who was injured early in the match. This defeat marks Egypt's third fourth-place finish at the Olympics, continuing a trend from previous tournaments.