Morocco Edge Haiti in Thriller but Miss Out on Group top spot
Morocco secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Haiti in Atlanta on Wednesday, but their World Cup campaign now takes a tougher path after Brazil edged them to top spot in Group C on goal difference.
Haiti, already eliminated and appearing at their first World Cup since 1974, made a dream start. Lenny Joseph’s flick deflected off Yassine Bounou for an own goal after just 10 minutes, ending a 52-year wait for a World Cup strike.
Achraf Hakimi levelled before half-time, but Wilson Isidor restored Haiti’s lead with a stunning long-range effort. Ismael Saibari then equalised with his third goal in three tournament matches.
Soufiane Rahimi’s deflected strike gave Morocco the lead, before Gessime Yassine sealed the win. The Atlas Lions’ impressive 2-0-1 group record wasn’t enough to surpass Brazil, who defeated Scotland.
Despite departing without a point, Haiti’s spirited performances captivated the thousands of expatriate supporters in Atlanta. The Caribbean side, a nation gripped by poverty, depart with heads held high after finally breaking their tournament goalscoring drought in spectacular fashion.
Morocco now head to Monterrey to face the Netherlands or Japan in the last 32.
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