Key Events
In the 13th minute, Morocco U23 executed a tactical corner kick from the right side. Akhommach’s shot from the edge of the penalty area was brilliantly tipped over the bar by USA goalkeeper Shulte.
In the 27th minute, Harir fouled Rahimi inside the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. Rahimi stepped up and converted it himself, despite Shulte guessing the right direction but failing to touch the ball. Morocco took the lead, 1-0. This was Rahimi’s fifth goal of the Olympics.
In the 63rd minute, Ezaluzoli broke down the left flank and delivered a cross into the box. Akhommach was on hand to poke home from close range, extending Morocco’s lead to 2-0.
In the 71st minute, Achraf headed the ball forward from midfield, then embarked on a long run before striking a low shot into the bottom corner, making it 3-0 for Morocco.
In the 90th minute, Akhommach’s powerful shot in the box hit Harir’s arm. After VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, which Maoub successfully converted, sealing the match for Morocco at 4-0.
Match Report
On August 2, in the quarterfinals of the Olympic men’s football tournament, Morocco faced off against the USA U23 team.
In the group stage, the USA U23 team advanced as the second-placed team in Group A, while Morocco topped their group, which included Argentina. The two teams had previously met in a friendly match at the end of 2023, with Morocco winning 1-0.
In the 8th minute, the USA U23 team took a corner kick from the right side. Aaronson nearly scored from close range after a header across the goal, but he failed to make solid contact. The play was also offside.
In the 17th minute, Morocco won a free-kick just outside the penalty area. Achraf took the shot, which cleared the wall but went straight to Shulte, who saved it easily.
In the 22nd minute, Akhommach cut inside from the right flank into the box and unleashed a powerful shot that was blocked. Ezaluzoli attempted a header from the rebound but failed to threaten the goal.
In the 37th minute, Achraf delivered a corner kick from the right, but it was cleared by a USA defender. Hannoush’s volley from the edge of the box was blocked by a defender.
At halftime, Morocco led the USA 1-0.
In the 47th minute, the USA U23 team took a corner kick from the left side. Tixhman’s header was directed back towards the goal but was caught by Kajoui.
In the 59th minute, Tixhman chipped the ball into the box. Jou’s header across the goal found Robinson, whose close-range shot missed the target.
In the 61st minute, Rahimi was through on goal but was tackled by a retreating USA defender.
In the 62nd minute, Akhommach cut inside from the right and struck a shot from the edge of the box, but it flew over the bar.
In the 88th minute, Morocco launched a counterattack. Benseghir received a pass and tried to finish, but his shot was blocked and went out for a corner.
The match ended with no further goals, and Morocco advanced to the semifinals with a 4-0 victory over the USA.
Player Lineups
Morocco U23 starting lineup: 1-Kajoui; 2-Achraf; 17-Azzouzi; 11-Wahidi; 4-Boukamil; 16-Ezaluzoli; 14-Taghralin; 10-Akhommach; 18-Richardson; 8-Hannoush; 9-Rahimi; Substitutes: 12-Ghanmi; 3-Nakkachi; 5-Tahif; 13-Khaita; 6-Bouchawari; 7-Benseghir; 15-Maoub;
USA U23 starting lineup: 1-Shulte; 3-Zimmerman; 12-Robinson; 5-Tokan; 2-Harir; 14-Mihailovich; 8-Tixhman; 16-McLean; 9-Jou; 7-Paredes; 11-Aaronson; Substitutes: 18-Slonina; 4-Dietz; 17-Willie; 21-Atencio; 15-Creamasky; 10-Bush; 13-McGuire;