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Marrakech – Moroccan international striker Soufiane Rahimi has made history by breaking the longstanding record of legendary footballer Ahmed Faras in the Olympic Games.
During Morocco’s game against Iraq in the final group stage match of the Paris 2024 Olympic football tournament, Rahimi scored his fourth goal of the competition, surpassing Faras’ record of three goals set in the 1972 Munich Olympics. The game, which took place on Tuesday, ended with Morocco taking the lead 3-0 and qualifying for the knockout stage.
Rahimi, who plays for UAE club Al Ain, opened his account with a brace against Argentina in Morocco’s first match, followed by a goal against Ukraine in the second group game.
His record-breaking strike came in the 28th minute against Iraq, solidifying his position as the tournament’s current top scorer.
The 28-year-old’s participation in the crucial match against Iraq was initially uncertain due to an injury sustained in the previous game against Ukraine. However, the Moroccan medical team worked diligently to ensure his readiness for the encounter with Iraq.
Morocco’s Olympic coach, Tarik Sektioui, had selected Rahimi as one of the three overage players allowed in the squad, alongside Achraf Hakimi and Munir El Kajoui.
Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz was initially chosen as one of the overage players, but due to the refusal of club president Florentino Perez to allow Diaz to join the Moroccan team, Rahimi was called up instead.
This decision proved pivotal, as Rahimi’s goalscoring exploits have played a significant role in Morocco’s qualification for the quarter-finals.
Speaking to the media after the match, Rahimi attributed his success to the collective effort of his teammates, coaching staff, and medical team. He expressed his determination to continue scoring in the upcoming matches and help Morocco secure a medal in Paris.
The Moroccan Olympic football team’s performance has been impressive thus far, with wins against Argentina and Iraq, and a narrow defeat to Ukraine. The Atlas Lions will now face the United States in the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of Olympic glory.
