Olympic men’s football: Messi-less Argentina survive Morocco scare, draw 2-2

(From L) Morocco's midfielder #14 Oussama Targhalline, Argentina's forward #09 Julian Alvarez, Morocco's defender #11 Zakaria El Ouahdi and Morocco's midfielder #18 Amir Richardson go for the ball in the men's group B football match between Argentina and Morocco (AFP)

Cristian Medina scored the equaliser in the 16th added minute as Argentina came from two down to draw 2-2 with Morocco on the opening day of men’s Olympic football action on Wednesday, while Spain edged Uzbekistan 2-1.

Argentina are looking to win men’s football gold in Paris for the third time after previous successes in 2004 and 2008, but Javier Mascherano’s side looked set to get off to a losing start in Saint-Etienne.

They trailed 2-0 in the Group B game to a Soufiane Rahimi brace for Morocco but did pull one back through Giuliano Simeone before Medina finished off a crazy move right at the death.

Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain full-back who is one of the biggest names featuring in the tournament, set up forward Rahimi for the opener at the end of a fine move in first-half stoppage time.

The reigning African Under-23 champions doubled their lead six minutes into the second half from the penalty spot, UAE-based forward Rahimi stroking in the spot-kick after Ilias Akhomach was brought down.

Argentina coach Mascherano, who starred in the teams that won gold in Athens and Beijing, had at one point hoped to persuade Lionel Messi to feature among the three permitted overage players in his squad otherwise limited to those under 23.

Messi opted not to come to the Games, and the biggest names in their side here were Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez and captain Nicolas Otamendi, the Benfica defender.

Simeone, son of former Argentina star Diego, came off the bench to pull one back midway through the second half, and Medina saved a point in the 106th minute.

Otamendi’s shot was turned onto the bar by the goalkeeper and Bruno Amione headed the follow-up off the woodwork, but Medina was on hand to make it third time lucky and secure a draw.

Group B rivals Iraq and Ukraine meet later in Lyon.

AFP

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