Qatar 2022: En Nesyri, Ziyech On Target As Morocco Upsets Group F

Morocco have ended up as group F winners after incredibly finishing their group campaign with a famous 2-1 win over Canada. 2018 third place runners-up Belgium are out of the competition despite a win in their first game, something that was unthinkable when the draw was completed.

Regragui’s men started the brighter of two sides and their attacking intent showed they wanted all three points from the whistle.

At the 3rd minute of play, a poor outing by goalkeeper Borjan under pressure from En Nesyri led to a sumptuous dink by Hakim Ziyech.

Cyle Larin posed a threat in Canada’s first attempt going forward at the 15th minute. He had a lovely give and go with Hoilett and blasted across the face of goal but Buchanan arrived late on the far side.

23 minutes into the ball game a darting run by En Nesyri was found by Hakimi and the Seville man kept his cool despite being sandwiched between Miller and Victoria to blast it pass Borjan for 2-0.

Five minutes to the pose, Aguerd’s deflection sent the ball into his own net. Sam Adekugbe fired the ball into the area and it was indeed the West Ham defender’s touch that beat Yassin Bono. It was the first goal Morocco conceded in the group stage.

Morocco replied quickly. En Nesyri thought he got what was his brace from Ziyech’s free kick in added on time. His goal was however chalked off for off-side after Agerd was adjudged to have interfered with play when he stood beyond the last man.

Hoilett looked the best in Canadian red all evening and it was his runs down the right that gave Morocco some problems in the second stanza. His 57th minute cross found Davies in Morocco’s area but the Bayern star brushed the ball wide.

Canada worked harder and sniffed at Morocco’s target more. They came close to an equaliser! A corner was ensued from the free-kick, and from Hoilett’s outswinging cross, captain Hutchinson crashed the ball against the crossbar from close range with a powerful header. It bounced down on the goal line, before Johnston narrowly headed the rebound over and onto the top of Bounou’s net. It was quite an escape for Morocco.

Canada was totally on top, as they sought for a first-ever point at the World Cup finals. Their pressure was relentless, as Amrabat was forced into tackles from all over his own half.

The Atlas Lions held on to grab all three points. Given results elsewhere; Belgium – Croatia (stalemate), Morocco topped the group with 7 points.

Canada’s starting 11;

Borjan (Gk)/
Johnston/Victoria/Miller Adekugbe/Davies/Osorio/Hoilett/Buchanan/Latin

Subs: Hutchins/Kone/David/Laryea/Wothers

Morocco starting 11

Bono (Gk)
Mazraoui/Saiss/Aguerd/Hakimi/Ounahi/Amrabat/Sabiri/Boufal/En Nesyri/Ziyech

Subs: Aboukhlal/Yamiq/Amallah/Hamdallah/Jabrane