The Atlas Lions recovered from falling behind twice to beat Haiti 4 2, securing second place in Group C and a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32…reports London Daily News Desk
Morocco produced a spirited comeback to defeat Haiti 4 2 in a thrilling Group C encounter and secure their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage as runners up.
The Atlas Lions twice came from behind before taking control in the second half to seal victory and book a place in the Round of 32, where they will face the winners of Group F, with the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden all still in contention.
Despite exiting the tournament, Haiti impressed throughout the contest and ended their first World Cup appearance in more than five decades with a performance that earned widespread admiration.
The Caribbean side made a dream start by scoring their first World Cup goal since 1974 after just 10 minutes. Jean Kevin Duverne delivered a low cross into the area and Lenny Joseph cleverly flicked the ball with his heel. The effort deflected off Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bono and into the net to hand Haiti an early lead.
Morocco responded positively and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. After goalkeeper Johny Placide denied them on several occasions, Achraf Hakimi finally levelled the scores by forcing the ball over the line after Bilal El Khannouss’ initial effort had been saved.
Haiti regained the advantage only minutes later through a spectacular strike from Isidor, who unleashed a powerful long range effort that flew past Bono and restored the Caribbean side’s lead.
The first half continued at a frantic pace and Morocco equalised again in stoppage time. Hakimi provided the assist with a cut back from the right and Abdelhamid Sabiri calmly side footed the ball into the net to send the teams into the break level at 2 2.
Morocco gradually asserted control after the restart as Haiti’s energetic start began to fade.
Their pressure finally paid off with just over 10 minutes remaining when Soufiane Rahimi completed the comeback, firing home after a corner kick caused confusion inside the Haitian penalty area.
Young substitute Gessime Yassine then wrapped up the victory in the closing stages, scoring Morocco’s fourth goal to ensure there would be no late comeback.
The win confirmed Morocco as Group C runners up and extended their World Cup campaign into the knockout rounds, where a tougher challenge awaits against the eventual winners of Group F.
Although Haiti’s journey came to an end, the side won praise for an entertaining tournament and a fearless display against one of Africa’s strongest teams. Their campaign, highlighted by their first World Cup goal in 52 years, marked a memorable return to football’s biggest stage after an absence of more than half a century.
