Morocco recovered from two setbacks to claim a 4-2 victory over Haiti in an entertaining World Cup Group C encounter in Atlanta on Wednesday, securing their place in the knockout rounds but missing out on top spot in the group.
The North African side found themselves trailing on two occasions as Haiti produced a spirited display in their final match of the tournament.
However, Morocco responded each time before second-half goals from Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine completed the comeback.
Despite the victory, Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil on goal difference and are now set to face either the Netherlands or Japan in the last 32 in Monterrey on Monday.
For Haiti, the result marked the end of their campaign, but there was still reason for celebration.
The Caribbean nation scored its first World Cup goals since 1974, providing a memorable moment for supporters despite leaving the competition without a point.
Haiti made an energetic start and took the lead after 10 minutes.
Jean-Kevin Duverne delivered a dangerous cross from the by-line, and Lenny Joseph’s touch diverted the ball into the net with the help of an unfortunate deflection off Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Morocco responded through captain Achraf Hakimi, who converted from close range after goalkeeper Johny Placide was unable to hold Bilal El Khannouss’ effort.
The match continued at a frantic pace, and Haiti restored their advantage only minutes later. Wilson Isidor seized on a loose ball outside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful strike that flew into the top corner.
Morocco once again found a reply before the interval. Ismael Saibari, who has enjoyed an impressive tournament, calmly finished from Hakimi’s low delivery to level the score at 2-2.
With Brazil comfortably ahead in their simultaneous match against Scotland, Morocco required a substantial winning margin to have any chance of finishing top of the group.
Nevertheless, head coach Mohamed Ouahbi also had one eye on the knockout stage and introduced fresh legs as the second half progressed.
The decisive moment arrived when Rahimi’s effort from a corner took a deflection and looped into the top corner, giving Morocco the lead for the first time in the match.
Rahimi then played a key role in Morocco’s fourth goal. After winning possession deep inside Haiti’s half, he squared the ball across goal for substitute Gessime Yassine, who finished into an unguarded net.
Hakimi, named player of the match, delivered another influential performance and played a major role in Morocco’s progression to the next round.
Speaking after the game, the defender said that he was enjoying one of the strongest periods of his career and remained focused on helping his country achieve success on the world stage.
Although Haiti’s World Cup journey has come to an end, their determination and attacking ambition earned admiration throughout the tournament.
Thousands of Haitian supporters in Atlanta created a vibrant atmosphere, celebrating every opportunity and witnessing a historic evening as their team ended a 52-year wait for a World Cup goal.
Morocco now turn their attention to the knockout phase, where tougher challenges await as they seek to build on another successful World Cup campaign.
