Egypt's Saber blames red card, fatigue for Olympic loss

Egypt's Olympic team was undone by a red card and player fatigue, midfielder Mahmoud Saber said on Monday after their 3-1 defeat to France in the semi-finals of the Paris 2024 Games.

Ahram Online , Tuesday 6 Aug 2024,

Mahmoud Saber
Egypt's Mahmoud Saber, left, and France's Joris Chotard battle for the ball during the men's semifinal soccer match between France and Egypt, at Lyon Stadium, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Decines, France .AP

 

Egypt led 1-0 until the 83rd minute, with Saber scoring in the 61st minute, but France equalized and then scored twice in extra time to win 3-1.

"The red card definitely affected us, and we were also tired after two consecutive matches going into extra time," Saber told beIN sports after the game.

The defeat ended Egypt's hopes of a first ever Olympic final. However, Saber vowed that the team would fight to win bronze in their next match against Morocco.

"We are grateful for the support of the Egyptian and Arab fans," he added.

"We will give 200% to win the bronze medal for them," he concluded.

Egypt's Olympic team will face Morocco on Thursday in the bronze medal match.

 

Check Team Egypt squad

Check Team Egypt schedule and results 

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)

 

Short link: