Morocco beat Haiti 4-2 to roll into World Cup last 32

Morocco twice fought back from behind to defeat Haiti 4-2 in World Cup Group C encounter in Atlanta on Wednesday, sealing qualification to the round of 32 despite finishing second behind Brazil on goal difference.

The result ensured Morocco progressed to the knockout stage but missed the chance to top the group, setting up a likely clash against either the Netherlands or Japan in Monterrey on Monday.

Haiti, already eliminated before kick-off following defeats to Scotland and Brazil, bowed out with pride after scoring their first World Cup goals in 52 years and delivering a spirited performance backed by thousands of supporters in attendance.

Haiti strike first

Haiti stunned Morocco after just 10 minutes when Jean-Kevin Duverne advanced to the by-line and delivered a cross that was turned into the net by Lenny Joseph via a deflection off Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Morocco responded through captain Achraf Hakimi, who converted from close range after Bilal El Khannouss’s effort was parried by Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide.

However, Haiti restored their lead within minutes through a spectacular effort from Wilson Isidor, who unleashed a powerful long-range strike into the top corner.

Morocco pushed back and found an equaliser before half-time as Ismael Saibari finished calmly from Hakimi’s low delivery to make it 2-2 at the break.

Morocco seal qualification

With Brazil comfortably leading Scotland in the group’s other fixture, Morocco knew only a convincing win would give them top spot.

The breakthrough eventually came in the second half when substitute Soufiane Rahimi’s powerful effort from a corner took a deflection and flew into the net to give Morocco their first lead of the match.

Rahimi later created Morocco’s fourth after winning possession near Haiti’s goal and setting up Gessime Yassine to finish into an empty net.

The victory confirmed Morocco’s place in the knockout rounds and extended their strong World Cup campaign.

After the match, Hakimi said he remained focused despite recent off-field attention and expressed confidence about continuing his form.

“I am in a very good moment, personally and professionally,” he said. “I feel very good, I have good people around me that help me concentrate on the most important thing.”

Meanwhile, Haiti forward Wilson Isidor expressed pride despite the elimination.

“Today we scored two goals, we are really proud of it, the emotions were big, but it is still really frustrating because we didn’t get a point,” he said.

“With the generation we have I am confident we are going to be here again to win Haiti’s first point in a World Cup.”