Morocco rally past Haiti but finish second in World Cup group
Morocco beat Haiti 4-2 in Atlanta to reach the World Cup last 32, while Haiti exited after scoring their first tournament goals since 1974.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
Morocco recovered from falling behind twice to beat Haiti 4-2 in Atlanta and advance to the World Cup round of 32, AFP reported. The result kept the Atlas Lions level with Brazil in Group C, but Brazil took first place on goal difference.
Haiti left the tournament without a point, according to AFP, but marked their first World Cup appearance since 1974 with their first goals at the tournament in 52 years. A Yassine Bounou own goal and a Wilson Isidor strike each put Haiti in front before Morocco took control after halftime.
AFP reported that Haiti, already eliminated after defeats to Scotland and Brazil, drew strong backing from thousands of Haitian expatriate fans in Atlanta. The agency said every Haiti attack was greeted with loud support despite the team’s position in the group.
Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi made four changes from the side that had drawn with Brazil and beaten Scotland, AFP reported. His team started poorly, and Haiti went ahead in the 10th minute when Jean-Kevin Duverne reached the byline and crossed for Lenny Joseph, whose touch went in off Bounou.
Achraf Hakimi equalised in the 39th minute after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide, playing his final game for the national team at age 38, parried a shot from Bilal El Khannouss, according to AFP. Hakimi, who has continued to captain Morocco after learning during the tournament that he is to face trial on rape charges in France, forced in the rebound from close range.
Haiti restored their lead four minutes later, AFP reported. Isidor, the Sunderland striker, seized on a loose ball outside the area and drove a shot into the top corner.
Morocco answered before the interval through Ismael Saibari, according to AFP. Saibari scored his third goal in as many World Cup matches, finishing from a low Hakimi cross, and Brahim Diaz nearly put Morocco ahead before halftime when his curling shot went narrowly wide.
AFP reported that Morocco knew a large win would be needed to overtake Brazil, who were beating Scotland in Miami. Ouahbi then began managing his squad for the knockout round, replacing Saibari and Diaz with more than 20 minutes left.
The changes still helped decide the match. Soufiane Rahimi put Morocco ahead when his shot from a corner deflected off a Haiti defender and went into the top corner, AFP reported.
Rahimi then set up Morocco’s fourth goal, according to AFP. He won the ball near Haiti’s byline and crossed for Gessime Yassine, who finished into an empty net.
AFP reported that Morocco will travel to Monterrey for a likely Monday meeting with either the Netherlands or Japan in the last 32. Haiti’s tournament ended after three defeats, but AFP said their performances had given pride to a country affected by poverty.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.