Morocco survived a spirited challenge from Haiti to secure a 4-2 victory and book their place in the World Cup knockout stage, ending the Caribbean nation’s dream of claiming a historic first point at the tournament.
In a thrilling encounter in Atlanta, Haiti twice took the lead and threatened to pull off one of the biggest surprises of the competition before Morocco’s quality and experience ultimately proved decisive.
The result ensured Morocco advanced as runners-up in Group C, although Brazil’s victory over Scotland denied the North Africans top spot.
Despite already being eliminated, Haiti produced a fearless display that won admiration and briefly raised hopes of a memorable upset.
The Caribbean side made history when they found the net early in the contest, recording their first World Cup goal in 52 years. Lenny Joseph’s effort, however, was later credited as an own goal after it took a touch off Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou before crossing the line.
Morocco responded through Achraf Hakimi, who bundled home the equaliser after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide could only partially stop Brahim Diaz’s effort.
Haiti stunned the crowd again shortly before halftime when Wilson Isidor produced one of the goals of the tournament, unleashing a spectacular long-range strike into the top corner to restore his side’s advantage.
But Morocco refused to panic and struck back almost immediately. Ismael Saibari continued his impressive tournament form by scoring the equaliser in first-half stoppage time following a well-worked move involving Hakimi.
With the game finely balanced, Haiti defended bravely and relied on a series of impressive saves from Placide to keep Morocco at bay.
However, the pressure finally told with 12 minutes remaining when substitute Soufiane Rahimi found the breakthrough, his effort taking a deflection on its way into the net.
Gessime Yassine then sealed the victory in the closing moments after a VAR review confirmed the ball had remained in play during the build-up.
While Morocco celebrated progression to the last 32 and a meeting with either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden, Haiti departed the tournament with heads held high after producing their most competitive World Cup performance and doubling their all-time goals tally on football’s biggest stage.
For Morocco, the victory keeps their World Cup ambitions alive. For Haiti, it was a night of courage, pride and promise despite the heartbreak of leaving without a point.
