Morocco grew to become essentially the most profitable African nation in FIFA World Cup historical past after defeating Haiti 4-2 of their closing Group C match on Wednesday.
The victory was Morocco’s seventh win on the World Cup, shifting the Atlas Lions forward of Nigeria, who beforehand held the African document with six victories.
Late objectives from Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine sealed the historic win in Atlanta as Morocco got here from behind twice to disclaim Haiti a first-ever World Cup level.
Haiti surprised the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists by taking the lead within the tenth minute when a flick from Lenny Joseph went in off Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou for an personal aim.
Morocco responded via Achraf Hakimi, who levelled within the thirty ninth minute after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide did not hold out Brahim Diaz’s effort.
Nevertheless, Haiti regained the lead simply earlier than half-time when Wilson Isidor scored a surprising long-range strike into the highest nook.
Morocco hit again once more in first-half stoppage time as Ismael Saibari scored his third aim of the match after a well-worked transfer involving Hakimi.
The Atlas Lions lastly took management within the closing phases when substitute Rahimi’s effort took a deflection and located the online with 12 minutes remaining.
Yassine then wrapped up the victory within the 89th minute after a VAR verify confirmed Rahimi had saved the ball in play earlier than offering the help.
The win ensured Morocco completed second in Group C behind Brazil, who beat Scotland 3-0 to assert high spot.
Though Morocco couldn’t end first within the group, the consequence secured one other piece of historical past for African soccer. Their seventh World Cup victory is now the very best quantity achieved by any African nation within the competitors, surpassing Nigeria’s long-standing mark of six wins.
For Haiti, the defeat introduced an finish to a spirited marketing campaign. The Caribbean facet, ranked 83rd on this planet, exited the match with out a level however earned reward for scoring twice in opposition to one of many strongest groups within the competitors.
Morocco will now face both the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden within the Spherical of 32, whereas Haiti return dwelling after ending backside of Group C.
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