Morocco secure 4-2 victory over Haiti in six-goal thriller
Morocco secured a 4-2 victory against Haiti in their final Group C World Cup match, confirming their progression to the last 32. The match, played on Wednesday, saw Morocco twice come from behind to overcome a determined Haiti side. Despite the win, Morocco finished as runners-up in their group, level on seven points with Brazil, who defeated Scotland 3-0, but behind on goal difference.
Morocco will now face the winners of Group F in the first knockout round on Monday. The potential opponents from Group F include Japan, the Netherlands, or Sweden. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi acknowledged the challenge posed by Haiti, stating that they played a good transition game and made it difficult for Morocco.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
Haiti, already eliminated from the tournament, took an early lead within 10 minutes. The opening goal came from a team move involving Josué Casimir and Jean-Kévin Duverne, with Lenny Joseph scoring from a backheeled effort. Initially credited to Joseph, the goal was later recorded as an own goal by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Morocco equalised in the 39th minute when Achraf Hakimi bundled the ball over the line after a save from Haiti’s goalkeeper Johny Placide. However, Haiti quickly regained their lead just four minutes later through a powerful strike from Wilson Isidor from outside the area. This lead was short-lived, as Ismael Saibari scored his third goal in as many World Cup appearances to level the score again before half-time.
The second half saw Morocco take the lead for the first time in the 78th minute. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi scored from close range after Haiti failed to clear a corner. The goal was followed by protests from Haiti for a foul, but it stood. In the final minute of the match, Gessime Yassine extended Morocco’s lead to 4-2 with his first international goal, set up by Rahimi. A VAR check confirmed the goal after Haiti’s defenders had stopped playing, believing the ball had gone out of play.
Haiti’s Performance and Future Outlook
Despite losing all three games in the tournament, Haiti made Morocco work for their victory and are seen to have enhanced their reputation. Manager Sebastien Migne expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating that they deserved their place in the tournament. He hoped that the team’s efforts were appreciated by the fans, even though they were unable to secure any points.
Johny Placide, Haiti’s 38-year-old goalkeeper, played his last international match after 15 years with the team. He made several key saves during the game, denying Ayoub El Kaabi and Hakimi on multiple occasions. The match marked Haiti’s second appearance at a World Cup, their first in 52 years.
Morocco’s coach Mohamed Ouahbi highlighted the team’s commitment and belief in their potential to achieve further success in the tournament. He believes Morocco has entered a new dimension in football and possesses the necessary ingredients to become a top footballing nation. Morocco will now prepare to face the winners of Group F on Monday.
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Source: theguardian.com
Reuben Castle is the Sports News Writer at News GB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from print into digital sport news. He holds a degree in Journalism from Coventry University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Coventry, he follows the Open Championship and amateur boxing. “Accuracy first; the analysis can follow.”
