Morocco vs Haiti, FIFA World Cup Match Result: Morocco fought back twice to knock off Haiti and reach the knockout stage

Morocco survived a major scare from Haiti before securing a 4-2 win on Wednesday, coming from behind twice to book a place in FIFA World Cup round of 32.Substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine played key roles late in the match, scoring decisive goals as Morocco ended Haiti’s hopes of picking up their first point of the tournament.

Haiti made history with an early collapse

Playing in just their second World Cup and first since 1974, Haiti stunned the African champions in the 10th minute. Lenny Joseph made a delivery at the near post and deftly flicked the ball past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.The goal carried historic significance, making Joseph Haiti the first World Cup scorer since Emmanuel Sanon found the net more than five decades ago.

Hakimi countered, but Haiti attacked again

Morocco dominated possession after falling behind and finally found an equalizer six minutes before halftime. Achraf Hakimi capitalized after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide failed to fully deal with a deflected cross from Bilal El Khannouss.The level score did not last long. Just four minutes later, Wilson Isidor restored Haiti’s lead with an incredible high effort that curled into the top corner, leaving Bounou with no chance.

Saibari levels before the break

There was another twist in the first half. Deep into stoppage time, Ismael Saibari finished off a Hakimi cross to make it 2-2 heading into halftime.It was Saibari’s third goal of the tournament and ensured Morocco stayed level despite a difficult opening 45 minutes.

The substitutes in the second half sealed the victory

Morocco increased the pressure after the interval and finally took control in the closing stages. Rahimi, introduced from the bench, put his side ahead in the 78th minute when his shot took a deflection towards the net.With Haiti pushing for another equalizer, Yassine ended the contest with a goal in the 89th minute to complete the comeback and ensure Morocco’s passage to the knockout rounds.

In Morocco, Haiti bowed out

The win saw Morocco finish second in Group C behind Brazil, who beat Scotland 3-0 in the group’s other game. Morocco will now face the runner-up from Group F – either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden – in Guadalajara.Despite the loss, Haiti earned praise for pushing one of the tournament’s contenders all the way and nearly pulling off one of the competition’s biggest upsets.After the match, midfielder Bilal El Khannouss admitted that Morocco were not at their best early on.“Sometimes we lacked humility and paid the price for it. We didn’t perform perfectly in the duels, we gave them confidence and allowed them to grow in the game a couple of times.