Morocco rally past Haiti in six-goal World Cup thriller

Morocco came from behind twice to beat Haiti 4-2 in a dramatic Group C match in Atlanta. The Atlas Lions were tested far more than expected, but late goals from Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine completed a comeback that kept their World Cup momentum going.

Haiti struck first after just 10 minutes, ending a long wait for a World Cup goal. Jean-Kevin Duverne reached the by-line and Lenny Joseph bundled the cross in via a deflection off Yassine Bounou. Morocco responded through Achraf Hakimi, who pushed forward from right-back to finish a loose ball after Bilal El Khannouss’ effort was only parried.

Haiti hit back almost immediately with the goal of the night. Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor smashed a brilliant strike into the top corner from outside the area to restore their lead and lift the Haitian fans inside the stadium. But Morocco equalised again before half-time when Ismaël Saibari scored his third goal in as many World Cup games, turning Hakimi’s low cross into the net with a calm finish.

The second half was more controlled, but Morocco still needed late quality to finish the job. With top spot in the group also at stake, they pushed on and eventually broke Haiti’s resistance. Rahimi’s powerful strike from a corner took a deflection and flew into the top corner to make it 3-2. He then turned provider, winning the ball on the by-line and crossing for Yassine to tap into an empty net.

Brahim Diaz had gone close before the break with a curling effort that shaved the post, while Morocco had shown enough attacking depth to suggest they could go further in the tournament. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi made changes to the side that had already impressed against Brazil and Scotland, and his substitutes made a decisive impact.

Haiti, despite being eliminated, can leave the tournament with pride. This was their first World Cup since 1974 and their performances have given supporters hope and joy, even without a point. Morocco, meanwhile, now head to the last 32 after another strong showing, though they missed out on finishing top of the group to Brazil on goal difference.