Sedjati and Barshim lead charge of Arab athletes

Algerian Djamel Sedjati, who has Kenyan David Rudisha’s 800m world record of 1:40.91 in his crosshairs, safely negotiated heats in the two-lap race.

He was qualified for the 800-metre final and will look to clinch the gold in the category. He has several record in his name.

Meanwhile, there was also drama in qualification for the men’s high jump as Qatari Mutaz Essa Barshim seemingly suffered a left calf injury in a run-up to one of his efforts.

Barshim shared gold at the Tokyo Games with Italy’s Gianmarco Tamberi, a decision that caught the imagination of an expectant audience across the world, which was at the time ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It was Tamberi first on hand to tend to Barshim as he sat on the infield clutching his leg before receiving medical treatment.

Both jumpers qualified for Saturday’s final, but health constraints might well limit their medal expectations. Tamberi was pictured in hospital this week having cited a high temperature and kidney pain.

Meanwhile, the first medals of the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 will be handed out on Thursday, as Egypt and Morocco go head-to-head in search of their first-ever podium places at the event.

Both North African powerhouses have caught the eye at the Games. Egypt, led by Rio 2016 gold medal-winning coach Rogerio Micale, sunk Spain in the first round en route to a quarter-final shootout win over Paraguay, before being edged by hosts France after extra time in the semis. Morocco, for their part, defeated world champions Argentina in the group phase and hit four past USA in the last eight, before a late Spain comeback put paid to their gold medal ambitions.

Both nations will be keen to join Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon in reaching the podium, while cementing themselves as the pride of Africa in what is sure to be an intriguing tussle.

This will be Egypt’s third time contesting the bronze medal match. They were defeated 11-3 by Italy at Amsterdam 1928, before losing 3-1 to Germany FR at Tokyo 1964.

Morocco’s Soufiane Rahimi will become the first player to score in six consecutive Olympic matches if he finds the net against Egypt.

Rogerio Micale, Egypt coach, said: “It will be very difficult for us [against Morocco]. But we have to get over it and try to win because that would be a very important medal. It would be a huge joy for me to win another medal for another country. First the gold medal with Brazil [at Rio 2016], and now a bronze with Egypt. It would be a pride and we will fight to win it.”

Tarik Sektioui, Morocco coach, said: “We were highly motivated to play in the final, but fate intervened. Because of small details, we lost the game, but we must switch [our mentality] quickly, because we have a game soon and we have a medal to win.”

Agencies