Historic Haiti goals not enough as Morocco fight back to stay in title hunt
Key Points(5)
- Morocco’s World Cup journey remained firmly on course after a dramatic comeback victory over Haiti, but the Atlas Lions were denied the top position in Group C by Brazil’s superior goal difference.
- In a thrilling six-goal contest, Morocco twice fell behind before fighting back to secure a 4-2 victory.
- The result ensured progression to the knockout stage, while Haiti exited the tournament with pride after producing one of the most memorable performances in their return to the global stage.
- The Caribbean side, appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 1974, scored their first goals in the competition for 52 years and pushed one of Africa’s strongest teams to the limit.
- Morocco will now head to Monterrey for their last-32 fixture on Monday, where they are likely to meet either the Netherlands or Japan.
Morocco’s World Cup journey remained firmly on course after a dramatic comeback victory over Haiti, but the Atlas Lions were denied the top position in Group C by Brazil’s superior goal difference.
In a thrilling six-goal contest, Morocco twice fell behind before fighting back to secure a 4-2 victory. The result ensured progression to the knockout stage, while Haiti exited the tournament with pride after producing one of the most memorable performances in their return to the global stage.
The Caribbean side, appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 1974, scored their first goals in the competition for 52 years and pushed one of Africa’s strongest teams to the limit.
Morocco will now head to Monterrey for their last-32 fixture on Monday, where they are likely to meet either the Netherlands or Japan.
Haiti make history before Morocco find their response
The evening began with Morocco looking unusually unsettled.
Having impressed in their opening matches, holding Brazil and defeating Scotland, the Atlas Lions entered the contest with confidence. However, coach Mohamed Ouahbi made four changes to his lineup, and the altered side struggled to find its rhythm early.
Haiti took full advantage.
Their historic breakthrough arrived after only 10 minutes. Jean-Kevin Duverne raced down the left side and delivered a dangerous cross that Lenny Joseph redirected toward goal, with the ball taking a decisive deflection off Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou before finding the net.
For Haiti, it was a landmark moment. Despite already being eliminated after defeats to Scotland and Brazil, the team played with the energy of a nation determined to make its mark.
Thousands of Haitian supporters inside the stadium celebrated every attacking move, turning the match into a passionate display of national pride.
Hakimi sparks the comeback, but Haiti strike back again
Morocco needed inspiration, and captain Achraf Hakimi once again provided it.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year continued to push forward from his right-back position, repeatedly creating danger. His persistence paid off in the 39th minute.
Haiti goalkeeper Jonny Placide, making his final international appearance at age 38, could only parry Bilal El Khannouss’ effort, allowing Hakimi to arrive and force the ball home.
The equalizer appeared to restore Morocco’s control, but Haiti refused to fade away.
Just four minutes later, Wilson Isidor delivered a moment of brilliance.
The Sunderland striker collected a loose ball outside the box and unleashed a powerful strike that flew into the top corner, leaving Morocco stunned and Isidor celebrating one of Haiti’s greatest World Cup goals.
Saibari keeps Morocco alive before the break
The setback sparked an immediate reaction from the Atlas Lions.
With Hakimi and coach Ouahbi visibly frustrated by the defensive lapse, Morocco increased the pressure before halftime.
The equalizer came through Ismael Saibari, who continued his outstanding tournament form. The midfielder calmly finished Hakimi’s low cross, scoring his third goal in three World Cup appearances.
The first half ended with Morocco still searching for control, while Brahim Diaz nearly completed the turnaround before the interval when his curling effort narrowly missed the target.
Second-half substitutions deliver the winning edge
With Brazil comfortably defeating Scotland in the other Group C match, Morocco knew only a big victory would move them above the five-time champions.
As the second half progressed, Ouahbi began managing the game with the knockout stage in mind, replacing key attackers including Bayern Munich-bound Saibari and Real Madrid star Diaz.
The substitutes, however, proved decisive.
Soufiane Rahimi produced the moment that finally put Morocco ahead. His powerful effort from a corner took a deflection off a Haiti defender before flying into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Placide helpless.
The goal carried emotional weight for Rahimi, who was visibly moved after giving Morocco the lead.
Then came the final blow.
Rahimi turned from scorer into creator, winning possession near the Haiti by-line before sending the ball across the box. Gessime Yassine calmly finished into an empty net to complete the scoring.
Haiti depart with pride, Morocco move forward
Although Haiti finished the tournament without a point, their return to the World Cup will be remembered for resilience, passion, and historic achievement.
They challenged two of the tournament’s strongest teams, scored twice against Morocco, and gave their supporters unforgettable moments.
Morocco, meanwhile, continued their impressive campaign but were forced to settle for second place in Group C behind Brazil.
The Atlas Lions leave the group stage knowing they have the quality to compete, but also aware that the knockout rounds will demand greater consistency than their dramatic Atlanta escape.
