FT: Morroco 4-2 Haiti
Morocco came from behind twice to defeat Haiti 4-2 and secure second place in Group C at the FIFA World Cup.
Haiti, already eliminated before the match, produced a spirited performance and twice took the lead in an entertaining contest. However, late goals from Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine ensured Morocco continued their World Cup campaign.
Haiti opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Lenny Joseph’s clever back-heel flick from Jean-Kevin Duverne’s cutback deflected in off Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. The goal was Haiti’s first at the World Cup in 52 years.
Morocco responded in the 39th minute through Achraf Hakimi, who forced the ball over the line after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide had parried an effort from Bilal El Khannouss.
Haiti regained the lead shortly before half-time through William Isidor, who struck a superb long-range effort into the top corner. Their advantage, however, lasted only a few minutes as Ismael Saibari equalised in first-half stoppage time from Hakimi’s cutback.
Morocco increased the pressure after the break and eventually completed the comeback in the 78th minute when substitute Rahimi scored with a deflected effort from a corner. Yassine then added a fourth late on after Rahimi kept the ball in play, with the goal confirmed following a video review.
The result was enough for Morocco to finish second in Group C behind Brazil and book a place in the Round of 32. Haiti exit the tournament without a point but with a performance that earned respect, having scored twice in a World Cup match for the first time.
Morocco defender Hakimi said the team had to adjust after a difficult start.
“We did not start well, but we changed our mindset and worked hard to get ourselves back into it,” he said.
Haiti coach Sebastien Migne praised his players despite the defeat.
“We came very close to making history in this World Cup,” he said. “Even if we did not win, we wanted to leave with our heads held high.”
Morocco will now face one of the teams from Group F in the Round of 32, while Haiti’s campaign comes to an end.
