Morocco overcame a spirited Haiti side and two surprise deficits to secure an entertaining 4-2 victory in Atlanta on Wednesday, booking their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds despite narrowly missing out on top spot in Group C.
The Atlas Lions entered the contest knowing qualification was within reach, but they were stunned by a fearless Haitian side determined to leave their mark on their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
Haiti ended a 52-year wait for a World Cup goal after only 10 minutes when Jean-Kevin Duverne burst to the by-line and Lenny Joseph’s flicked effort found the net via a deflection off Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Morocco dominated possession and eventually drew level six minutes before half-time. Captain Achraf Hakimi reacted quickest after Jonny Placide parried Bilal El Khannouss’ strike, forcing the rebound over the line.
Haiti, however, responded immediately. Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor produced a moment of brilliance, unleashing a stunning long-range effort into the top corner to restore his side’s advantage.
The lead lasted only four minutes as Morocco struck back once more. Hakimi turned provider, delivering a low cross for Ismael Saibari, who calmly slotted home his third goal of the tournament.
The second half saw Morocco’s superior quality eventually tell. Soufiane Rahimi completed the comeback when his powerful effort from a corner took a decisive deflection and flew into the top corner, leaving the forward visibly emotional as he celebrated.
Rahimi then created the fourth goal, winning possession deep inside the Haitian half before squaring for Gessime Yassine to tap into an empty net.
Despite the victory, Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil on goal difference and now face a potentially difficult knockout tie against either the Netherlands or Japan in Monterrey.
For Haiti, elimination came without a point, but their spirited displays and first World Cup goals in more than five decades provided a memorable conclusion to an inspiring campaign.