Morocco’s comeback victory
Morocco have advanced to the World Cup last 32, overcoming Haiti in a 4-2 victory on Wednesday. The match saw Morocco twice fall behind before securing the win in an action-packed encounter. Despite the comprehensive scoreline, Morocco finished second in Group C, level on seven points with Brazil, who defeated Scotland 3-0. Brazil claimed the top spot due to a superior goal difference.
The result means Morocco will face the winners of Group F in the first knockout round on Monday. Potential opponents include Japan, the Netherlands, or Sweden. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledged the challenge posed by Haiti, stating that they played a strong transition game and had nothing to lose, making it a difficult match for his side.
Ouahbi expressed confidence in his team’s potential, noting that Morocco has entered a new phase and believes they can contend for the title. He emphasised the importance of 100% commitment, highlighting that the team possesses the necessary elements to become a top footballing nation, a belief shared by both players and staff.
Haiti’s spirited performance
Haiti, who were the first team to be eliminated from the 48-team tournament after losing their second group game, opened the scoring after just 10 minutes. Josué Casimir shielded the ball, allowing Jean-Kévin Duverne to advance down the wing and deliver a square pass. Lenny Joseph then audaciously backheeled the ball towards goal. The initial attribution of the goal to Joseph was later changed to an own goal by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, as the effort deflected in off him.
Despite their early lead, Morocco‘s Achraf Hakimi, the African footballer of the year, equalised in the 39th minute. This came after Haiti‘s 38-year-old goalkeeper, Johny Placide, who was playing his last international match after 15 years with the team, parried a cross from Bilal El Khannouss, allowing Hakimi to bundle the ball over the line.
Haiti quickly regained their lead in the 43rd minute when Wilson Isidor unleashed a powerful strike from outside the area, set up by Duverne. However, Morocco responded swiftly, with Sofyan Amrabat setting up Hakimi on the right flank, who then pulled the ball back for Ismael Saibari to score. This marked Saibari’s third goal in as many World Cup appearances.
The second half saw Morocco take the lead for the first time in the 78th minute. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi capitalised on Haiti‘s failure to clear a corner, striking the ball home from close range. In the final minute of the match, 20-year-old Gessime Yassine extended Morocco‘s lead to 4-2. Rahimi assisted Yassine for a tap-in after Haiti‘s defenders paused, believing the ball had gone out of play, but VAR confirmed the goal.
Looking ahead for both teams
Haiti, despite losing all three of their group games in their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, left the tournament with their reputation enhanced. Manager Sebastien Migne stated that his team proved they deserved their place in the competition and hoped their performance was satisfactory for the fans, despite not securing any points.
Morocco‘s coach Mohamed Ouahbi faced a decision regarding his lineup for the match, considering whether to rest key players or aim for a group win. The team had been noted for their efficiency, having drawn 1-1 with Brazil and secured a 1-0 win against Scotland, accumulating four points prior to the Haiti fixture. Morocco has demonstrated strong defensive capabilities, having conceded only four goals in their last 11 international matches over 90 minutes. They also did not concede a single shot on target in their 1-0 victory over Scotland.
Haiti, despite their struggles to score, have shown discipline and were not overrun in their previous matches. They created more chances than Scotland in their 1-0 loss and avoided a heavy defeat against Brazil after early mistakes. Dominique Simon, a French-born Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate, was expected to start for Haiti and had previously registered a shot on target after coming on as a substitute against Brazil. Morocco‘s Achraf Hakimi had three shots against Brazil and two against Scotland, indicating his offensive threat.
The match was played at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 24, with a kick-off time of 11pm BST.
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Source: theguardian.com
Niamh Pendlebury is the Sports Reporter at NewsGB.org, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB and the county circuit. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Preston, she plays club tennis and follows road running. “The best interviews come from patience, not pressure.”