Morocco came from behind twice before scoring two late goals to beat Haiti 4-2 in an entertaining Group C clash and end the Caribbean nation’s hopes of a first FIFA World Cup point.
Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine struck late in Atlanta as Morocco completed the comeback after Haiti had twice led through an own goal by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and a superb effort from Wilson Isidor.
The win was not enough to take Morocco top, as Brazil’s victory over Scotland meant the North Africans finished second. The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists will now face either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden in the Round of 32.
Already eliminated after defeats to Scotland and Brazil, Haiti still produced a spirited display and doubled their World Cup goal tally.
They made a dream start in the 10th minute when Lenny Joseph’s flick deflected off Bounou and in. Morocco equalised six minutes before half-time through Achraf Hakimi after Johny Placide failed to deal with Brahim Diaz’s shot.
Haiti regained the lead just before the break when Wilson Isidor fired a brilliant 25-yard strike into the top corner, but Morocco levelled again in stoppage time as Ismael Saibari converted Hakimi’s cutback.
Placide kept Haiti in it with several fine saves, but Rahimi’s deflected shot put Morocco ahead in the 78th minute before Yassine sealed the win from close range after Rahimi kept the ball in play. A VAR check confirmed the ball had not crossed the line beforehand.
Haiti earned plenty of praise for their performance, while Morocco advanced with momentum after an entertaining victory.
