Jean-Philippe Mateta scored twice as France came from behind to defeat 10-man Egypt 3-1 after extra time, securing a place in the men’s Olympic football final.
This victory ensures that Thierry Henry’s team will win their first medal in the tournament in 40 years, with a final match against Spain scheduled at the Parc des Princes on Friday at 17:00 BST.
Mateta, 27, equalized late in regular time with a goal from Michael Olise’s pass, following Mahmoud Saber’s opening goal for Egypt from close range in Lyon.
In extra time, Mateta gave France the lead with a header nine minutes in, after Omar Fayed was sent off for a second yellow card.
Fayed’s first booking occurred during second-half stoppage time when he protested a French penalty appeal that was reviewed and denied by VAR.
Olise added a third goal for France, while Egypt will now compete against Morocco in the bronze-medal match in Nantes on Thursday at 16:00 BST.
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