Morocco twice came from behind to defeat Haiti 4-2 in an entertaining World Cup Group C clash in Atlanta on Wednesday, but were forced to settle for second place behind Brazil on goal difference.
Haiti, who exited the tournament without a point, stunned the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists by taking the lead through an own goal from Yassine Bounou before Wilson Isidor added a second with a spectacular strike, marking Haiti’s first World Cup goals in 52 years.
Morocco responded quickly, with Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari restoring parity before half-time. Saibari netted his third goal in as many matches at the tournament.
In the second half, Soufiane Rahimi put Morocco ahead with a deflected effort that flew into the top corner, before Gessime Yassine sealed the victory late on.
Despite the win, Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil on goal difference and will now travel to Monterrey for a likely Round of 32 meeting with either the Netherlands or Japan.
Haiti, representing a nation returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, exited with pride after spirited performances despite defeats to Scotland and Brazil.
Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor expressed mixed emotions after the match, saying the team was proud to have scored but frustrated not to secure points, while also expressing hope for future qualification success.
Morocco captain Hakimi, who was named man of the match, continued to lead his side amid off-field scrutiny, insisting he remained focused and in strong form both personally and professionally.
Hakimi levelled the match after reacting quickest to a rebound following a save from Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide, before Isidor briefly restored Haiti’s lead with a long-range effort into the top corner.
Morocco regained control before the break when Saibari finished clinically from a Hakimi cross, before Rahimi and Yassine struck in the closing stages to complete the comeback.
