Morocco came from behind twice to defeat Haiti 4-2 on Wednesday, securing a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after an entertaining Group C encounter in Atlanta.
The Atlas Lions were pushed to the limit by a determined Haitian side, who made history by scoring their first World Cup goal since 1974.
Haiti took a shock lead in the 10th minute when Lenny Joseph found the net following a cross from Jean-Kevin Duverne, with the ball deflecting off Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Morocco responded before halftime through captain Achraf Hakimi, who converted a rebound after Bilal El Khannouss’ effort was saved.
However, Haiti restored their lead almost immediately as Wilson Isidor produced a stunning long-range strike to make it 2-1.
Morocco refused to give up and equalised again through Ismael Saibari, who scored his third goal of the tournament after being set up by Hakimi.
The second half belonged to Morocco as Soufiane Rahimi completed the comeback with a deflected strike before later winning possession to assist Gessime Yassine for the fourth goal.
The victory secured Morocco’s place in the knockout rounds, although they finished second in Group C behind Brazil on goal difference.
They will now face either the Netherlands or Japan in the next round.
Despite exiting the tournament without a point, Haiti earned praise for their courageous performances and ending a 52-year wait for a World Cup goal.
Source: AFP
