Morocco vs Haiti
An early own goal and a high-octane exchange of blows saw Morocco fight back to overcome Haiti in a thrilling World Cup encounter.
A First Half of Shifting Fortunes
The match took an unexpected turn when an own goal from Morocco's Yassine Bounou in the 10th minute put Haiti in front. The Haitian side showed early danger, with Lenny Joseph squandering a fine chance just a minute prior. Morocco, after the initial shock, sought to impose their rhythm and created several opportunities, with Ayoub El Kaabi and Ismael Saibari testing the attention of Haiti's goalkeeper, Johny Placide. However, it was Haiti who managed to extend their lead in the 43rd minute, with Wilson Isidor finishing precisely from outside the box, assisted by Jean-Kévin Duverne, to make it 1-2.
Morocco did not falter and responded immediately. In the 39th minute, Achraf Hakimi equalized with a close-range finish. The Moroccan team intensified their pressure in the dying minutes of the first half, and their effort was rewarded. In a moment of persistence, Ismael Saibari scored the equalizer for Morocco in the 45+1st minute, assisted by Achraf Hakimi, restoring parity at the break.
Morocco's Second-Half Comeback
The second half began with both teams searching for a breakthrough. Morocco saw several attempts thwarted by Haiti's defence or saved by Johny Placide. However, Moroccan persistence eventually paid off. In the 78th minute, Chadi Riad netted the goal that put Morocco 3-2 ahead, following a corner taken by Achraf Hakimi. The Moroccan side solidified their lead in the 89th minute, with Gessime Yassine scoring their fourth goal, assisted by Soufiane Rahimi, sealing the final 4-2 scoreline. In the closing moments, Haiti attempted a late surge, with Louicius Deedson and Ricardo Adé creating chances, but Morocco's defence, marshalled by Yassine Bounou, held firm. The match was punctuated by yellow cards for Haiti's Johny Placide and Duckens Nazon, with Josué Casimir also booked late on. Sofyan Amrabat was forced off injured in added time, but Morocco had already used all their substitutions.
