/sportsinfo/media/member_avatars/image 59.png)
Follow Us/sportsinfo/media/media_files/eYHxpobcbp81t1YL0z9R.png)
Guinea defeated Indonesia 1-0 during the AFC-CAF Play-off in Clairefontaine, France, on Thursday, May 9, to secure the last men's Olympic football quota and accomplish their aim of competing in the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
The two sides put all on the line in a very fought match, however Guinea emerged victors with a solitary first-half goal, securing their berth into the Olympic football competition for the first time since 1956. Guinea will be competing in the Olympics for the second time, the first being in Mexico in 1968.
Ilaix Moriba, 21, was the match's hero, hitting a penalty kick during the 29th minute to give his team a 1-0 lead that they held until the end of the match. Guinea had an extra opportunity to score from the penalty spot after retaining control for the entirety of the second half, but failed to do so, setting up a nerve-racking finish to the contest.
It kept the possibility open for Indonesia to equalise the game and force extra time, but despite scrambling for an equaliser, Indonesia was unable to draw level, and the country's Olympic hopes evaporated.
Guinea footballers danced and rejoiced on the pitch after formally securing their spot in the 2018 Games. They will now travel to Paris in just over three months. They will compete against the All Whites on the first day of the Games in Paris 2024, alongside France, the United States, and New Zealand in Group A.
Taking look at more details from the football tournament in Paris Olympics 2024
The men's event will be the first among the Olympic tournaments to begin, with the opening group stage matches on Wednesday, July 24. The men's gold medal match is scheduled to take place on Friday, August 9, at the Parc des Princes.
Brazil won the men's tournament in 2021, defeating Spain 2-1 during extra time. Brazil successfully defended their Olympic gold medal from 2016, which they won at home in Rio de Janeiro. Meanwhile, Mexico won the bronze medal, defeating Japan 3–1.