Philippe Mateta scored twice to lead France to a 3-1 victory over 10-man Egypt after extra time, securing their place in the men’s Olympic football final for the first time in four decades.
The win guarantees that Thierry Henry’s squad will earn a medal at the Paris Games when they face Spain at the Parc des Princes on Friday at 17:00 BST.
Egypt took an early lead with a powerful header from Mahmoud Saber, but Mateta equalized late in regular time with a goal set up by Michael Olise.
France took control in extra time following Omar Fayed’s dismissal for a second yellow card.
Fayed’s first booking had come in stoppage time of the second half after he protested a VAR-reviewed penalty decision.
Mateta scored his second goal nine minutes into extra time to put France ahead. Olise then added a third goal to cement the victory.
Egypt will compete against Morocco in the bronze medal match in Nantes on Thursday at 16:00 BST.
France’s path to the final included a 3-0 win over the USA, a narrow victory against Guinea, and a dominant performance against New Zealand in the group stage.
They then edged out Argentina in the quarter-finals before their decisive win over Egypt. The final against Spain is scheduled for Friday, August 9, 2024.
