Crystal Palace stiker Jean-Philippe Mateta scores brace to send France to Olympic final clash

Jean-Philippe Mateta took France one match away from an Olympic gold medal after scoring a brace in their semi-final win over Egypt in Lyon on Monday evening.

Mahmoud Saber put Egypt ahead in the 62nd minute with a powerful shot – the first time France had been behind in this summer’s tournament.

But Crystal Palace striker Mateta linked up with former Eagles attacker Michael Olise in the 83rd minute, finishing a first-time effort beyond Egyptian stopper Hamza Alaa and forcing the game at the Groupama Stadium into extra time.

Mateta scored his second of the evening and his fourth of the tournament when Kiliann Sildillia headed Olise’s cross back across goal. The 27-year-old was on hand to finish in front of goal and put France ahead.

Eagles forward Mateta has scored 18 goals in 18 games in 2024.

Bayern Munich’s Olise rounded off the scoring for France in the 108th minute when he pounced on a loose ball inside the area to finish with a trademark left-footed finish.

Thierry Henry’s side are guaranteed a first medal in the tournament in 40 years and play Spain at the Parc des Princes on Friday.