Morocco 4-2 Haiti: Atlas Lions Roar Back From Two Deficits to Finish Second in Group C
On paper it looked like a formality. In reality, an already-eliminated Haiti side came within touching distance of embarrassing the 2022 semi-finalists. At Atlanta Stadium on 24 June, Morocco eventually won 4-2, but only after the Caribbean nation had led twice and pushed the Atlas Lions to the brink.
First half: Haiti dare to dream
With nothing to lose, Haiti played without fear and stunned Morocco inside ten minutes. Jean-Kévin Duverne crossed for Lenny Joseph to backheel home, the goal ultimately recorded as an own goal by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. It took Morocco almost half an hour to respond: in the 39th minute Achraf Hakimi bundled the ball home after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide spilled a save.
The parity lasted just four minutes. In the 43rd, Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box to restore Haiti’s lead. Morocco hit back faster this time — deep into first-half stoppage time, Ismael Saibari calmly placed his finish to make it 2-2 at the break.
Second half: the substitutes decide it
Morocco gradually imposed control after the interval. In the 78th minute, substitute Soufiane Rahimi turned and finished from a flicked-on corner to put his side ahead for the first time. In the 89th, fellow substitute Gessime Yassine sealed it, netting his first international goal to make the final score 4-2.
What it means
The victory sees Morocco finish as runners-up in Group C and advance to the Round of 32, where they will face the winner of Group F. Progression was expected of the 2022 semi-finalists, but Haiti leave the tournament with their heads high after a spirited display and an unforgettable strike from Isidor. The Caribbean side bow out of their World Cup campaign.
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Disclaimer: The score, goalscorers and timings in this report are compiled from public post-match coverage including FIFA, Sky Sports and ESPN. Official data prevails in the event of any revision.
