Egypt vs Morocco, Olympics Football 2024, Today Match Prediction

Egypt vs Morocco Match Prediction & Analysis

After failing to advance to the finals of the Olympic football competition in Paris 2024, Egypt and Morocco will have to compete for third place in a bronze medal match at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes. For Morocco and Egypt, it will be their first opportunity to finish at the podium, while it will be the sixth overall for an African nation. Nigeria, in the 2016 Olympics with a bronze medal finish, was the last African nation to do so. 

Coming into the contest, both sides appear to be equally capable of capturing the medal; however, both will be equally disappointed in failing to advance to the final. Both of these teams lost their respective semi-final matches despite having an early goal advantage. Egypt fell against France 3-1 in extra time after holding a lead until the 82nd minute. Similarly, Morocco lost 2-1 against Spain in regular time, conceding the winner in the 85th minute of the game.

Regardless, expect a high-octane encounter between the two proud nations, like the one we witnessed in the U23 African Cup of Nations, where Morocco prevailed 2-1 in extra time. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Egypt Preview

For those who haven't seen Egypt's semi-final versus France, a 3-1 scoreline would suggest a convincing loss for the African side. However, the reality was quite different. Egypt took the lead through Mahmoud Saber's 62nd-minute strike and maintained it until the 83rd minute. Unfortunately, a late equalizer by Mateta and Omar Fayed's red card in extra time forced Rogerio Micale's team into the bronze medal match.

For much of the game against Les Bleus, the Pharaohs controlled the tempo. This changed when Thierry Henry introduced the pacey Desire Doue on the left flank. Omar Fayed's second yellow card was a result of preventing Doue from breaking free. Egypt can expect similar challenges from Morocco, with their speedy wingers Abde Ezzalzouli, Hakimi, and Akhomach posing a significant threat.

To counter Morocco's pace, Micale is likely to revert to a 4-3-3 formation instead of the 4-1-4-1 used against France. Morocco's attacking prowess differs from France's, and their midfield lacks the controlling influence of a player like Rodri. Egypt's success will hinge on neutralizing the Moroccan wingers and fullbacks, while Adel capitalizes on opportunities to exploit the defense. 

Egypt Probable Starting XI - Alaa (Goalkeeper); Saber, Tarek, Abdelmeguid, El-Debes (Defenders); Elneny, Shehata, Kouka (Midfielders); Zizo, Faisal, Adel (Forwards) 

Morocco Preview

Morocco may not possess the same firepower as Egypt, but they do have Soufiane Rahimi, the competition's top scorer with six goals, albeit four from penalties. Nevertheless, his xG/90 of 1.25 ranks among the tournament's best. Beyond Rahimi, five other Moroccan players have found the net, compared to Egypt's three. Clearly, the Atlas Lions offer more goal-scoring threats.

Unlike Egypt, Morocco held their own against Spain, matching La Roja in shots while maintaining respectable possession. Defensively, they dominated duels (58%) and tackles (68%). However, a late lapse in concentration, allowing a Spanish fullback to slip into the box, proved costly. Tarik Sektioui will aim to prevent similar errors on Thursday.

Midfielder Bilal El Khannous, suspended for the semi-final, is expected to replace Ben Seghir in the starting lineup. Sektioui will likely employ the 4-2-3-1 formation that secured Morocco's victory in the U23 African Cup of Nations final against Egypt.

Morocco Probable Starting XI - Mohamedi (Goalkeeper); Hakimi, Boukamir, El Azzouzi, El Ouahdi(Defenders); Targhalline, Richardson, Akhomach, El Khannouss, Ezzalzouli (Midfielders); Rahimi

EGYPT vs MOROCCO
Winning Prediction

The last time these two teams met was the U23 African Cup of Nations final, which Morocco won 2-1 in extra time thanks to Oussama Targhaline's goal, assisted by Abde Ezzalzouli. The scoreline flattered Egypt; Morocco dominated possession (66%) and created more chances despite missing Hakimi, Akhomach, and Rahimi. 

Given both teams' current form, Thursday's match could mirror the African Cup of Nations final. Major betting sites favor Morocco (odds 1.95) over Egypt (odds 3.60). A predicted xG of 2.35 suggests a high-scoring affair, especially considering Egypt's recent scoring struggles (one goal in three of four matches) and Morocco's consistent offensive output (xG of 2.5). Based on these factors and Morocco's goal-scoring prowess, we agree with the betting odds and predict a Moroccan victory in the bronze medal match.

Morocco U-23 to Win (1-2)

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