Morocco Outlasts Haiti in 6-Goal Thriller, but Brazil Snatches Group C Top Spot
In a wide-open, six-goal spectacle on Wednesday, Morocco overcame two separate deficits against a resilient Haiti side to secure a 4-2 victory. However, despite the thrilling win, the Atlas Lions missed out on the top spot in Group C to Brazil on goal difference. Morocco is now slated to travel to Monterrey on Monday for a tough round-of-32 matchup, likely against either the Netherlands or Japan.
For Haiti, the match was a proud, emotional farewell. Already eliminated following previous losses to Scotland and Brazil, Les Grenadiers gave their fans in Atlanta plenty to cheer about, netting their first World Cup goals in 52 years. Though they depart the tournament without a point, their spirited performances gave a nation gripped by poverty a massive reason to celebrate.
The historic breakthrough came just 10 minutes into the match. Jean-Kevin Duverne drove to the by-line and pulled a cross back for Lenny Joseph; the flicked effort took a deflection off Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and found the back of the net, ending Haiti’s half-century drought on the global stage.
Morocco’s manager, Mohamed Ouahbi, had rotated his squad by making four changes to the lineup that previously beat Scotland and drew with Brazil, resulting in a sluggish start. However, the African giants eventually found their footing through skipper Achraf Hakimi. Hakimi, who is currently captaining the side despite facing an upcoming trial in France on rape charges, spearheaded the attack from right-back and equalized in the 39th minute, tapping home a rebound after 38-year-old Haitian keeper Jonny Placide parried a fierce strike from Bilal El Khannouss.
The joy was short-lived. Just four minutes later, Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor pounced on a loose ball and unleashed a stunning, long-range rocket that arrowed directly into the top corner, restoring Haiti’s lead.
An agitated Moroccan side responded almost immediately before the referee could blow for halftime. Deep into stoppage time, Ismael Saibari coolly slotted home his third goal of the tournament from a low Hakimi cross, sending the teams into the locker rooms deadlocked at 2-2. Brahim Diaz nearly put Morocco ahead seconds later, but his curling effort shaved the post.
With Brazil cruising to a comfortable win over Scotland in Miami, Morocco knew they needed a massive goal surge in the second half to claim the group’s top seed.
Eyeing the knockout rounds, Ouahbi chose to rest his stars, subbing off Real Madrid’s Diaz and the Bayern Munich-bound Saibari with 20 minutes left on the clock. The gamble paid off beautifully as two substitutes combined to win the match.
