The 2024 Paris Olympics kicked off this evening with extraordinary scenes in the football clash between reigning world champions Argentina and highest ranked African team, Morocco.
Marked by unprecedented drama, the match began with a strong showing from Morocco, who opened scoring in stoppage time of the first half.
It was a well worked goal following a neat interchange of passes to unlock Argentina’s defence and free Achraf Hakimi down the right flank to set up goalscorer Sofiane Rahimi.
The Atlas Lions doubled their lead in the 50th minute from the penalty spot through Rahimi again.
Argentina fought back, narrowing the deficit in the 68th minute through Giuliano Simeone. Albiceleste were then denied by the Morocco goalpost twice in search of an equaliser.
As the game drew to a close, the referee added 15 minutes of stoppage time. In a nail-biting finish, Argentina appeared to have equalised 16 minutes into stoppage time.
But the wild celebrations that the goal prompted was short-lived as fans went on the pitch to disrupt proceedings.
An hour after the match was suspended, the VAR review revealed that Argentina’s second goal was scored from an offside position.
This led to the goal being disallowed while the match officials moved to add three more minutes of stoppage time. In an unprecedented turn of events, the game resumed two hours later with Morocco 2-1 ahead.
Morocco defended their slim lead during the resumed play, ultimately securing victory in their first Olympic match.
This historic encounter, filled with twists and turns, set a dramatic tone for the Olympic football tournament in France.