Egypt's hopes to qualify for the knockout phase of the Olympic Games were dented after they lost 1-0 to Argentina in their second Group C game on Sunday, having produced another toothless display upfront. The Pharaohs were once again solid at the back, defending doggedly in the same manner that saw them hold European heavyweights Spain to a surprise 0-0 draw in their opening game on Thursday. However, their defence was caught ball watching seven minutes into the second half as defender Facundo Medina swept home from close range after his glancing header came back off the post and fell into his path again. Egypt needed to throw caution to the wind after falling behind but, lacking a creative midfielder, they overly-relied on winger Ramadan Sobhi to unlock Argentina's defence but the Pyramids FC schemer was well shackled. The now lie at the bottom with one point, two behind Argentina. Australia, who also have three points, meet Spain in the other Group C game. Egypt must now beat Australia in their final group match on Wednesday to stand a chance of booking a last-eight berth. Argentina dominated possession in the first half but their only meaningful chance came after four minutes when striker Adolfo Gaich crashed a powerful shot against the post. At the other end, Egypt's best chance fell to Sobhi, who made a surging run down the left and cut inside before laying off the ball to lone striker Ahmed Rayan, whose tame shot was saved by keeper Jeremías Ledesma. Medina broke the deadlock on 52 minutes with a simple finish and Egypt failed to respond, with even the introduction of Pyramids FC's lively attacking midfielder Ibrahim Adel and Ahly winger Taher Mohamed Taher making no difference. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
