Morocco survived a major scare from Haiti before securing a 4-2 victory on Wednesday, coming from behind twice to book a place in the FIFA World Cup round of 32.Substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine played crucial roles late in the match, scoring decisive goals as Morocco ended Haiti’s hopes of earning their first-ever point at the tournament.
Haiti make history with early breakthrough
Playing in only their second World Cup and first since 1974, Haiti stunned the African champions in the 10th minute. Lenny Joseph met a delivery at the near post and cleverly flicked the ball past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.The goal carried historic significance, making Joseph Haiti’s first World Cup scorer since Emmanuel Sanon found the net more than five decades ago.
Hakimi responds, but Haiti strike again
Morocco dominated possession after falling behind and eventually found an equaliser six minutes before halftime. Achraf Hakimi capitalised after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide failed to fully deal with a deflected cross from Bilal El Khannouss.The level score did not last long. Just four minutes later, Wilson Isidor restored Haiti’s lead with a spectacular long-range effort that curled into the top corner, leaving Bounou with no chance.
Saibari levels before the break
The first half still had another twist left. Deep into stoppage time, Ismael Saibari finished off a Hakimi cross to make it 2-2 heading into halftime.It was Saibari’s third goal of the tournament and ensured Morocco remained on level terms despite a difficult opening 45 minutes.
Second-half substitutes seal the win
Morocco increased the pressure after the interval and finally took control in the closing stages. Rahimi, introduced from the bench, put his side ahead in the 78th minute when his shot took a deflection on its way into the net.As Haiti pushed forward in search of another equaliser, Yassine ended the contest with a goal in the 89th minute to complete the comeback and secure Morocco’s passage to the knockout rounds.
Morocco through, Haiti bow out
The victory saw Morocco finish second in Group C behind Brazil, who defeated Scotland 3-0 in the group’s other match. Morocco will now face the runner-up from Group F — either Netherlands, Japan or Sweden — in Guadalajara.Despite the defeat, Haiti earned praise for pushing one of the tournament contenders all the way and came close to producing one of the biggest upsets of the competition.After the match, midfielder Bilal El Khannouss admitted Morocco had not been at their best early on.“At times we lacked humility and paid the price for it. We weren’t fully committed in the duels, we gave them confidence and allowed them to grow into the game and score twice. At halftime, the coach told us we needed to be more aggressive, win the second balls and bring greater intensity to our attacking play.”
