Haiti shocks Morocco twice, but Ouahbi’s side completes the comeback and advances alongside Brazil
Morocco secured qualification for the Round of 32 with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Haiti in Atlanta, but the scoreline hardly reflects the difficulties the Atlas Lions faced against a spirited Caribbean side determined to leave the World Cup with its head held high.
Already eliminated before kickoff, Haiti produced arguably its best performance of the tournament and twice stunned the Moroccan defense before eventually succumbing to superior quality and depth.
The Grenadiers struck first after only ten minutes in bizarre fashion. A dangerous cross into the box caused confusion and ended up deflecting off Bono for an unfortunate own goal, giving Haiti a dream start.
Morocco responded immediately and dominated possession, but veteran goalkeeper Johny Placide rolled back the years in what was announced as his final international appearance. The 38-year-old denied El Kaabi, Hakimi and Saibari on multiple occasions, frustrating the North Africans.
The equalizer finally arrived in the 39th minute. Hakimi surged forward and benefited from a fortunate rebound before calmly slotting home to make it 1-1.
Just when Morocco thought it had regained control, Haiti struck again. Wilson Isidor capitalized on another defensive lapse and unleashed a magnificent finish to restore the underdogs’ lead.
Morocco once again found an answer before halftime. Hakimi turned provider this time, picking out Ismael Saibari, whose composed finish made it 2-2 and ensured the PSV midfielder scored in all three group-stage matches.
With Brazil simultaneously leading Scotland, Morocco knew qualification was already within reach, but Walid Ouahbi’s men still pushed for victory. The introduction of Soufiane Rahimi proved decisive. The Al Ain forward completed the comeback in the 78th minute after a clever pass from Riad and then turned creator eleven minutes later, setting up substitute Yassine to seal the result.
Morocco finishes Group C level on points with Brazil but settles for second place due to an inferior goal difference, while Haiti departs the tournament without points but with renewed respect after a courageous campaign.
Match Report
Morocco 4-2 Haiti
Scorers:
10′ own goal Bono (HAI)
39′ Hakimi (MAR)
43′ Isidor (HAI)
45+1′ Saibari (MAR)
78′ Rahimi (MAR)
89′ Yassine (MAR)
Morocco (4-2-3-1)
Bono 5.5; Hakimi 8, Halhal 6, Riad 6.5, Salah-Eddine 5 (83′ Mazraoui sv); El Aynaoui 6.5 (83′ El Mourabet sv), Amrabat 6; El Khannous 6.5, Brahim Diaz 6 (70′ Ounahi 6), Saibari 8 (70′ Rahimi 8); El Kaabi 5.5 (70′ Yassine 7).
Coach: Walid Ouahbi
Haiti (4-3-3)
Placide 8; Duverne 6 (80′ Arcus sv), Adé 6, Expérience 6, Casimir 6; Jean Jacques 6 (80′ Simon sv), Bellegarde 6.5, Providence 6 (67′ Nazon 6); Isidor 7.5 (67′ Deedson 6), Joseph 6 (83′ Pierrot sv).
Coach: Sébastien Migné
Group C Final Standings
| Team | Pts | GD |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 7 | +4 |
| Morocco | 7 | +3 |
| Scotland | 3 | -1 |
| Haiti | 0 | -6 |
Qualified: Brazil (1st), Morocco (2nd)
