Key Events
In the 18th minute, Morocco U23 accelerated down the right flank and entered the penalty area. Achraf’s cross reached the far post where Richardson leapt above the defenders to head the ball into the net, giving Morocco U23 a 1-0 lead.
In the 27th minute, after another cross from the left by Morocco U23, the initial shot was saved by the goalkeeper, but Lahimi pounced on the rebound to double Morocco U23’s lead to 2-0.
In the 36th minute, Ezalozoli drove forward from the left wing and unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area, which soared over the goalkeeper and into the net. This stunning goal extended Morocco’s lead to 3-0.
Match Report
At 23:00 on July 30th, the third round of Group B in the Olympic men’s football tournament saw Morocco U23 face off against Iraq U23.
In the 8th minute, Wahidi broke through on the left flank and was fouled by Iraq’s player Mohammed, who received the first yellow card of the match. Morocco’s subsequent free-kick led to a shot that was blocked out for a corner kick.
In the 21st minute, Morocco had a clear scoring opportunity when they were through on goal, but the shot towards an empty net was cleared by a defender.
In the 35th minute, Iraq U23 registered their first shot on target, which was almost a goal, but the header was brilliantly saved by Morocco’s goalkeeper.
In the 41st minute, Iraq came close to scoring again, but the shot was well saved by the goalkeeper.
At halftime, Morocco U23 led Iraq U23 3-0.
In the 50th minute, inside the Iraq penalty area, chaos ensued during Morocco’s attack, and Ezalozoli hesitated with the ball at his feet, allowing the defenders to clear it.
Throughout the second half, Iraq increased their attacking pressure, but struggled to create clear-cut chances.
In the 65th minute, Morocco laid siege to Iraq’s penalty area, but despite multiple attempts on goal, all shots were blocked by determined Iraqi defenders.
In the 75th minute, Iraq won a set-piece from the left flank. The ball was delivered to the back post where Hussein got the first touch, but his attempt went over the bar.
In the closing stages of the match, Iraq continued to push for goals, while Morocco largely focused on possession without launching further attacks.
The final whistle confirmed Morocco’s 3-0 victory over Iraq, securing their place in the next round.
Player Lineups
Morocco U23 Starting Lineup: 1-Kajoui; 2-Achraf; 17-Azzouzi; 11-Wahidi; 4-Boukamil; 16-Ezalozoli; 14-Taghralin; 10-Ahommach; 18-Richardson; 8-Hannous; 9-Lahimi;
Substitutes: 12-Ghanimi; 3-Nakkachi; 5-Tahif; 13-Kahtan; 6-Bouchaouari; 7-Benseghir; 15-Maoub;
Iraq U23 Starting Lineup: 1-Rasheedim; 4-Nadek; 5-Maknazi; 20-Amir; 17-Saddun; 11-Mundad; 8-Bayesh; 10-Amin; 13-Saad; 14-Mohammed; 18-Hussein;
Substitutes: 12-Rekab; 3-Ali; 2-Imam; 16-Al-Hassan; 15-Wudfi; 7-Jassim; 9-Laund.