ATLANTA — Morocco came from behind twice before securing a dramatic 4-2 victory over Haiti on Wednesday to advance to the World Cup round of 32 and end the Caribbean nation’s hopes of earning its first-ever point at the tournament.
Second-half substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine scored late goals as Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil and booked a knockout-stage meeting with the runner-up from Group F.
The Atlas Lions, who became the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals in Qatar four years ago, were given a major scare by Haiti, which was making its first World Cup appearance since 1974.
“At times we lacked humility and paid the price for it,” midfielder Bilal El Khannouss said. “We weren’t fully committed in the duels, we gave them confidence and allowed them to grow into the game and score twice.”
Haiti stunned Morocco in the 10th minute when Lenny Joseph’s back-heeled flick at the near post deflected off goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and into the net. The goal, officially recorded as an own goal, marked Haiti’s first World Cup goal since Emmanuel Sanon scored in 1974.
Morocco eventually equalized in the 39th minute through Achraf Hakimi after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide failed to keep out El Khannouss’ deflected cross.
However, Haiti regained the lead just four minutes later when Wilson Isidor curled a superb effort into the top corner from outside the area.
The African champions responded again before halftime as Ismael Saibari swept home Hakimi’s cross in stoppage time to level the score at 2-2. It was Saibari’s third goal of the tournament.
Morocco increased the pressure after the break and finally went ahead in the 78th minute when Rahimi’s effort took a deflection and found the net.
Yassine then sealed the victory in the 89th minute to send Morocco into the knockout stage.
“At halftime, the coach told us we needed to be more aggressive, win the second balls and bring greater intensity to our attacking play,” El Khannouss said.
Morocco will now face the runner-up from Group F in Monterrey, while five-time champions Brazil finished top of the group after defeating Scotland 3-0.
Despite the defeat, Haiti left the tournament with credit after pushing one of Africa’s strongest teams to the limit.
“I am disappointed for the Haitian fans,” Haiti coach Sébastien Migné said. “But we managed to show that we were worthy of this qualification. We were in the right place. Now we need to make some improvements and not wait another 52 years.”
Source: Saudi Gazette