FIFA World Cup
Morocco defeated Haiti 4 – 2 in full time.
Late goals from Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine sealed the victory for Morocco, denying Haiti a chance for their first-ever World Cup point in Atlanta.
Morocco fought back from behind twice, with Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari contributing goals before Rahimi scored with 12 minutes remaining, followed by Yassine securing the win.
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Despite the win, Morocco could not secure the top spot in Group C as Brazil triumphed over Scotland in Miami, sending the 2022 semi-finalists to face either the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden in the round of 32.
Nevertheless, Haiti’s effort should be celebrated as they nearly achieved a historic milestone, taking the lead twice despite being ranked 83rd in the world, also marking an increase in their overall goals scored in World Cup history.
Haiti, eliminated before their final group match after losses against Scotland and Brazil, managed to score their first World Cup goal in 52 years when Lenny Joseph’s flicked shot, which deflected off Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and into the net.
However, that 10th-minute goal was credited as an own goal, robbing Joseph of the chance to become the first Haitian player to score at the World Cup alongside Emmanuel Sanon, who netted twice in 1974.
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Nevertheless, Paris St-Germain’s Hakimi drew Morocco level in the 39th minute, finishing a scramble after Haiti’s goalkeeper Johny Placide misjudged a shot from Brahim Diaz.
Then Sunderland striker Wilson Isidor scored a stunning goal from 25 yards out, igniting ecstatic celebrations among Haiti’s supporters just two minutes before halftime.
However, Morocco responded yet again, with Saibari netting his third goal of the tournament in first-half stoppage time, following a precise setup by Hakimi.
Placide, who previously played at Oldham Athletic in 2017-18, made several incredible saves but was powerless against Rahimi’s attempt, which took a deflection off defender Ricardo Ade.
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Yassine then secured the win with a close-range finish after Rahimi kept the ball in play, a decision confirmed by the video assistant referee, just a minute before the end of regulation.
‘Attacking quality was pivotal against a determined Haiti’
In their historic first matchup, a lively crowd filled the stadium in Atlanta, creating an electrifying atmosphere as the vibrant blue and red of Haiti complemented Morocco’s red and green.
Haiti’s fans understood that this was the closing chapter of their World Cup journey but embraced the moment with enthusiasm.
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From their arrival, the supporters pushed their team forward with infectious energy, erupting with joy at every save from their goalkeeper as if it were a goal.
Morocco’s fans were equally passionate, fully aware of the stakes in play as the group standings were determined.
The Moroccan team reacted with attacking prowess and depth that ultimately proved decisive against a spirited Haitian side.
It was an extraordinary contest on the field, overshadowed only by the remarkable atmosphere in the stands, fueled by two sets of fervent supporters.
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What’s next for these teams?
Haiti concludes their World Cup campaign at the bottom of Group C, while Morocco advances to the last 32, where they will face either the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden at Estadio Monterrey in Mexico on Tuesday, June 30th (02:00 BST).