Morocco twice recovered from the shock of conceding the lead to Haiti, earning a dramatic 4-2 victory in Atlanta, though they missed out on top spot in Group C on goal difference to Brazil.
Haiti exit the tournament with their first World Cup goals in 52 years. An own goal from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and a superb strike by Wilson Isidor twice put Haiti ahead in the June 24 clash.
Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari (scoring his third goal in three World Cup matches) equalised before the break.
Soufiane Rahimi came close to tears when his deflected shot in the 69th minute found the top corner, putting Morocco in front. Gessime Yassine sealed the scoreline in stoppage time after Rahimi’s assist.
Despite the win, Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil on goal difference. They will head to Monterrey to face the Netherlands or Japan on June 28.
Haiti, though eliminated without a point, impressed with a brave performance at their first World Cup since 1974. Thousands of Haitian fans in the Atlanta stands never stopped cheering.
Coach Mohamed Ouahbi made four changes from the side that held Brazil and beat Scotland. However, Morocco started shakily.
The historic goal came in the 10th minute: Jean-Kevin Duverne’s cross was touched on by Lenny Joseph, deflecting off Bounou’s body into the net.
Hakimi, facing rape allegations in France, played with full responsibility. He was in the right place to equalise in the 39th minute after Johny Placide saved Bilal El Khannouss’s shot.
Just four minutes later, Haiti took the lead again spectacularly. Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor volleyed from outside the box into the top corner.
Morocco equalised just before the break through a cool finish from Saibari from Hakimi’s low cross. Brahim Diaz came close to putting Morocco ahead when his curler hit the post.
Meanwhile, Brazil comfortably led Scotland in Miami. Morocco knew only a big win would snatch top spot.
Ouahbi brought on two substitutes who made the difference. Rahimi slammed in from a corner, the ball hitting the top corner after a deflection off a Haiti defender. He then robbed a defender on the byline and passed for Yassine to tap into an empty net for the 4-2 final.
