Argentina’s Olympic football campaign got off to a dramatic start as they came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Morocco in a hostile atmosphere in Saint-Etienne. Javier Mascherano’s side were booed by the crowd, who were largely supporting Morocco, and trailed 2-0 to a Soufiane Rahimi brace. However, Giuliano Simeone pulled one back before Cristian Medina equalized in the 106th minute.
Morocco took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Rahimi finished off a fine move set up by Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi. The reigning African Under-23 champions doubled their lead six minutes into the second half when Rahimi converted a penalty after Ilias Akhomach was brought down.
Argentina fought back and Simeone, son of former Argentina star Diego, pulled one back midway through the second half. Medina then saved a point in the 106th minute, turning in a rebound after Otamendi’s shot was turned onto the bar and Bruno Amione headed the follow-up off the woodwork.
As Argentina celebrated, projectiles rained down from the stands and several spectators entered the pitch, prompting the referee to blow for full-time.
In Group C, Spain edged Uzbekistan 2-1 in their opener at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Sergio Gomez’s free-kick was helped on by Abel Ruiz to the back post where Marc Pubill turned the ball in. Uzbekistan drew level from the penalty spot in first-half added time, but Gomez made up for his earlier penalty miss by grabbing the winner just after the hour.
