HAVING both suffered defeats at the semi-final stage of the Olympics, Egypt and Morocco will do battle for a bronze medal at the Stade de la Beaujoire on Thursday afternoon.
Egypt were on course to cause a massive shock in their final four fixture with France on Monday night before Les Bleus battled back to win 3-1 after extra time.
Having pushed the French all the way as well as topping a section that included finalists Spain, Rogerio Micale's men will take plenty of heart from their displays at this summer's Olympics.
The Pharaohs still have one final shot at glory to look forward to as they aim to pip Morocco to a bronze medal.
The Atlas Lions took the lead in their semi-final with Spain but ultimately came up short as they were edged out 2-1 in the end.
Tarik Sektioui’s team, like their opponents, will now be targeting a first ever football medal when they go up against the Egyptians this midweek.
How the bookies view it: Morocco to win bronze battle
Morocco are odds-on 5/6 favourites with Bet 365 to finish on the football podium at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Egypt are as big as 10/3 on Bet 365 to emerge victorious while the 90 minute draw has been chalked up at 12/5 (Bet 365) with the same firm.
Head to head: Egypt hold the upper hand
Egypt have avoided defeat in four of their last five meetings with Morocco. The two nations last crossed paths at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, with the Egyptians earning a narrow 2-1 victory.
Players to watch: Rahimi to rack up another strike?
No player has scored more goals than Morocco's Soufiane Rahimi at the 2024 Olympics. After striking against Spain last time out, the Al Ain attacker holds plenty of appeal to take his tournament tally to seven at 2/1 on Bet 365.
Ibrahim Adel has scored three goals across his last three appearances for his country at the Olympics, making him an eye-catching option at 18/5 (Bet 365) for an anytime strike during this third place showdown.
Predicted line-ups
After being sent off against France on Monday night, Egypt will be without defender Omar Fayed and will thus be forced into at making at least once change to their starting XI.
Morocco manager Tarik Sektioui will welcome midfielder Bilal El Khannous back into the fold after he was forced to serve a one-game suspension against Spain at the semi-final stage.
Egypt: Alaa; Fayed, Abdelmeguid, Eid, El-Debes; Elneny; Shehata, Kouka; Zizo, Faisal, Adel
Morocco:: Mohamedi; Hakimi, Boukamir, El Azzouzi, El Ouahdi; Targhalline, Richardson; Akhomach, El Khannouss, Ezzalzouli; Rahimi
Anything else catch the eye?
With an entertaining encounter anticipated in Nantes on Thursday afternoon, backing both teams to score looks worthy of consideration at 4/5 with William Hill.
This bet would have proven profitable in three of Egypt's five Olympic outings thus far, including each of their last three.
What’s more, BTTS would have also been the right wager in three of the Moroccans' five matches up until this juncture.
Thus, backing goals at both ends in Nantes on Thursday makes plenty of sense at the prices.
This Olympics match between Egypt and Morocco will be played on Aug 8, 2024 and kick off at 16:00. Check below for our tipsters best Egypt vs Morocco prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
