Debutants Colombia beat Japan in the opening match of the blind football competition at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games on Sunday (1 September).

The Colombian men’s blind football national team achieved a 1-0 historic win over Japan in their first debut Paralympic blind football game. Colombia applied pressure to Japan’s goal from the start of the game. Their efforts paid off thanks a left foot shot from forward Juan Perez in the eighth minute of the first half which rifled into the top right corner. Juan celebrated with his guide and goalkeeper whilst holding a picture of himself and his daughter, who celebrated her fifth birthday on Sunday. Colombia’s triumph also cemented first position for them in Group B with three points on the first day.

“I am very happy to score for my team,” Juan said. “It was a small part of the job that all my teammates did. They made today a big win for our first game. We are going for the gold medal for our country.”

 Photo Description: Juan Perez dribbles towards Japan’s goal from the halfway line, with Japan’s captain Ryo Kawamura and Hiroto Takahashi Ⓒ Daniel Zappe / IBSA

African champions Morocco locked horns with World champions Argentina in the second game of Group B. The game ended in a goalless draw as teams were resolute in defence and chances to score were few and far between. Argentina, however, had the better chances to break the deadlock. Maximilliano Espinillo had two penalty shots in the first half by and his strike in the second half, but his attempts were all denied by Morocco’s star goalkeeper Samir Bara.

Brazil continued their unbeaten Paralympic blind football run after they conquered Turkiye 3-0. Raimundo Nonato was first on the scoresheet for the Paralympic blind football champions after he netted a six-metre penalty in the first half. Jefinho was next with a tremendous dribble through the Turkish defence and composed finish into the left corner during the second half. Nonato shortly after converted again from the penalty spot to confirm victory and first place in Group A on day one.

Photo Description: Brazil’s Jefinho, also known as the ‘Paralympic Pele’ celebrates his goal by raising his right fist in the air, a signature celebration of the late icon Ⓒ Daniel Zappe / IBSA

Hosts France faced China in the final match of the day. The Eiffel Tower Stadium was packed with French fans who waved their country flag and encouraged the hosts with repeated chants of “Allez les Blues!” (meaning “Go Blues!” in English). Led by coach Toussaint Akpweh, France battled with China throughout the game and grabbed a second half winner to sit second in Group A. French striker Khalifa Youme stunned China with shot at goal in the second half, sending the crowd wild. France almost let their 1-0 lead slip with 27 seconds left after conceding an eight-metre penalty. However, China failed to convert from the spot. France face Brazil tomorrow at 8:30pm CEST time and will be brimming with confidence after winning on home turf. Khalifa Youme said: “We have preparing for the last four years both collectively and individually. We are very happy to win this match. When we are serious, when can have a good result like this.”

Photo Description: France’s Khalifa Youme, Mickael Miguez, Frederic Villeroux and Fabrice Morgado celebrate victory at the end of the game with the fans Ⓒ Daniel Zappe / IBSA

Two more games of group stage games in blind football at Paris 2024 will take place on 2 September and 3 September. Followed by a rest day on 4 September, the semi-finals will take place on 5 September.

By Keon Richardson / For IBSA