Africa will have at least one bronze medallist in the men’s Olympic football tournament after Egypt and Morocco both failed to reach the finals.
In a battle of continental football giants from northern Africa, the Moroccans are likely favourites against the Egyptians, but the feat will be celebrated by Africans.
High flying Moroccans played Spain in Marseille but failed to book a place in the final on Monday.
Morocco opened the scoring in the 37th minute when the tournament’s top scorer Soufiane Rahimi converted a penalty for his sixth Olympic goal.
Spain were more dangerous after the break and equalised in the 66th minute when Barcelona’s Lopez pounced on some sloppy defending by Morocco to steal the ball in the box and strike home.
Substitute Sanchez earned the Spaniards the lead five minutes from time after a fine team move from the right and a low shot from a tight angle to secure a victory.
Egyptians route to the semi-finals was nowhere near as simple, but ended against hosts France in Lyon as they failed to book a place.
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored twice as France fought back to beat 10-man Egypt 3-1 after extra time and reach the final of the men’s Olympic football competition.
The result means Thierry Henry’s side are guaranteed a first medal in the tournament in 40 years when they play Spain at the Parc des Princes on Friday.
Mateta, 27, swept in a late equaliser from Michael Olise’s pass to level the scores after Mahmoud Saber had powered in an opener for Egypt from close range in Lyon.
Crystal Palace forward Mateta headed the hosts in front nine minutes into extra time, after Omar Fayed had been dismissed for a second yellow card.
Faye’s first booking came in second-half stoppage time as he protested against a French appeal for a penalty that was not awarded after a VAR review.
Olise rounded off the scoring for France, with Egypt now set to face Morocco in Nantes on Thursday (16:00) in the bronze-medal match for the Africans.
