Morocco defeat Argentina after dramatic VAR decision in Olympic football opener

Morocco defeated Argentina 2-1 in the opening match of the Paris Olympics football event. 

Although Morocco had raced to a 2-0 lead early, it was a controversial video assistant referee (VAR) decision at the end of the match that ensured the North African team’s victory in Saint-Etienne.

Argentina’s Cristian Medina thought he had scored with the last kick of the game to salvage what looked like a 2-2 draw, but VAR ruled out the goal for offside after the match was suspended for two hours.

Soufiane Rahimi put Morocco in the lead on the stroke of halftime before doubling their advantage from the penalty spot six minutes after the interval. Giuliano Simeone pulled one back in the 68th minute before the late drama ensued.

Glen Nyberg, the centre referee, added fifteen minutes at the end of 90 minutes due to time-wasting. Medina scored a stoppage-time winner after the Moroccan goalkeeper had saved several chances.

After the goal, the game was forced to halt after Morocco fans invaded the pitch and threw objects at the players. A flare was also fired at the Argentina bench.

Following the lengthy delay, a VAR review chalked off the supposed leveller, and Morocco saw out the match for a 2-1 win.

Morocco and Iraq U23 sides are tied on three points, with the latter pipping Ukraine 2-1 in the other Group C encounter.

Egypt U23 were held to a goalless draw by their Dominican Republic counterpart. In their 13th appearance at the Olympics- the highest in Africa, Egypt could not break down the debutant opponents at the La Beaujoire Stadium in Nantes.