Morocco secure late win against Haiti to reach World Cup last 32
Two late goals earned Morocco a hard-fought 4-2 victory against Haiti in Atlanta, securing their place in the World Cup round of 32 as Group C runners-up.
The 2022 semi-finalists twice trailed to the Caribbean nation before taking control in the closing stages at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Haiti, who were already eliminated heading into their final group match, took a surprise early lead when Lenny Joseph’s team move was credited as a Yassine Bounou own goal.
Atlas Lions fight back in breathless first half
It took almost 40 minutes for the North African side to equalise, with Achraf Hakimi bundling the ball home after goalkeeper Johny Placide parried an initial effort.
That parity lasted just four minutes before Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor smashed a stunning strike past Bounou to restore Haiti’s advantage.
However, Ismael Saibari ensured the teams went into the break level by calmly placing his finish past Placide on the stroke of half-time.
Late strikes seal progression
The second period proved to be a tighter affair until Soufiane Rahimi turned sharply to convert a flicked-on corner in the 78th minute.
Gessime Yassine then sealed the points in the dying moments, netting his first international goal after a lengthy VAR check confirmed the ball had remained in play during the build-up.
The result marks a harsh exit for Haiti, who gave an excellent account of themselves during only their second appearance at the global tournament.
Morocco will now face the winners of Group F in the knockout stages, which could be the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden.
