Ukraine vs. Morocco: Olympic showdown at Paris 2024

Ukraine and Morocco are set to clash this Saturday in the second matchday of Group B in the Men’s Football Tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Here’s all the essential information you need to know about this crucial encounter for the Atlas Lions.

How to Watch Ukraine vs. Morocco Live

The highly anticipated match will take place at the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne on Saturday, July 27, kicking off at 5 p.m. local time, which is 4 p.m. in Morocco.

Fans can catch the action live on Arryadia in Morocco, the France.TV platform, and Eurosport 5 in France, as well as TV5 Monde Afrique for viewers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Match Analysis: Ukraine vs. Morocco

The Atlas Lions made a dramatic entry into the tournament by defeating Argentina 2-1 last Wednesday.

This victory was a perfect start for Morocco, boosting their confidence as they prepare to face Ukraine.

The key player for Morocco, Ilias Akhomach, who had a muscle strain during the match against Argentina, is expected to be fit for the game against Ukraine, according to beIN Sports.

This is excellent news for coach Tarik Sektioui, as the 20-year-old winger was instrumental in Morocco’s success, providing the assist for Soufiane Rahimi’s opening goal and winning the penalty that Rahimi converted for his second goal.

A victory for Morocco in this match would secure their place in the round of 16, allowing Sektioui the flexibility to rotate his squad for their final group stage match against Iraq on July 30.

On the other hand, Ukraine had a surprising 2-1 loss to Iraq in their opening game. Despite Valentyn Rubchynskyi’s goal in the 53rd minute, Iraq quickly equalized through a penalty by Hussein in the 57th minute and then took the lead with a goal from Jasim Elaibi.

Ukraine’s performance in the 2023 European Under-21 Football Championship, where they reached the semi-finals before losing to Spain, suggests that they have the potential to be formidable opponents.

This historical performance should serve as a warning to the Moroccan team, urging them to remain vigilant and focused.

Coach Tarik Sektioui, who boasts extensive experience both as a former player for FC Porto and with 21 caps for Morocco, and now as a coach, will undoubtedly emphasize the importance of maintaining concentration and discipline against a resilient Ukrainian side.

Stakes and Implications

This match holds significant stakes for both teams. For Morocco, a win would not only confirm their advancement to the knockout stages but also provide an opportunity to manage their squad’s fitness ahead of their final group game.

For Ukraine, a win is essential to keep their hopes of progressing in the tournament alive after their initial setback against Iraq.

Fans can expect a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for crucial points in their quest for Olympic glory. As the Atlas Lions seek to build on their promising start, and Ukraine aims to bounce back, Saturday’s clash promises to be a showcase of determination and skill at the highest level of international football.

أهداف منتخبنا الوطني أمام الأرجنتين ⚽⚽

Soufiane Rahimi’s goals against Argentina 🤩#DimaMaghrib | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/SDyDNJmE7J

— Équipe du Maroc (@EnMaroc) July 24, 2024