Egypt have advanced into the semifinals of the men’s football tournament at the 2024 Olympic Games after defeating Paraguay 5-4 on penalties at Stade de Marseille on Friday evening.

The match ended 1-1 after extra time and the Pharaohs were ruthless in the shootout, converting all five kicks and advancing thanks to goalkeeper Hamza Alaa’s save from Marcelo Perez.

Paraguay bossed the opening phase of the clash, with the likes of Alexis Cantero, Marcelo Perez and Diego Gomez helping to create several promising attacks, though the Egyptian defence stood firm and protected Alaa.

As the first half wore on, the Pharaohs grew in confidence and rhythm, creating a great chance for Mahmoud Saber just past the half-hour mark, but he saw his left-footed shot bravely blocked by goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez.

The South Americans finished the half as the stronger of the two teams, but the score remained 0-0 at the interval.

The sides exchanged good chances in the opening 20 minutes of the first half – Perez for Paraguay, Osama Faisal for Egypt, both of which were denied by great saves – before La Albirroja broke the deadlock in the 71st minute.

Julio Enciso provided a deft touch to put Gomez in behind the defence and he rifled a shot past the right hand of Alaa to make it 1-0 to Paraguay.

Egypt upped the intensity in the latter stages of regulation and levelled the game in the 88th minute, with Ahmed Zizo providing an in-swinging cross from the right to pick out Ibrahim Adel at the far post – the number 10 duly headed home at close range for 1-1.

Extra time saw no further goals scored, and the key moments in the penalty shootout were Alaa’s save from Marcelo Perez in the second round of kicks, and Adel’s fifth and final effort to secure victory.

Egypt will face either France or Argentina in the second semifinal, set for Stade de Lyon on the evening of Monday 5 August. The first semifinal will be played earlier, in Marseille, pitting Morocco against Spain.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com