FOOTBALL – Morocco confirmed their progress to the World Cup last 32 but twice had to come from behind to get the better of plucky Haiti with a 4-2 win in an action-packed game yesterday and fell short of topping Brazil in the Group C standings.
Morocco finished level on seven points with the five-times world champions, who beat Scotland 3-0, but are runners-up on goal difference and will play the Group F winners, Netherlands, Japan or Sweden, on Monday in the first knockout round.
Haiti, the first side eliminated from the 48-team tournament after losing their second group game, went ahead early thanks to an own goal, but African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi equalised in the 39th minute.
Wilson Isidor’s thunderbolt restored Haiti’s lead in the 43rd but the match was soon level again as Ismael Saibari scored his third goal in as many World Cup appearances.
It took until the 78th minute for Morocco to take the lead when substitute Soufiane Rahimi thrashed the ball home from close range after Haiti failed to clear a corner and 20-year-old Gessime Yassine made it 4-2 in the last minute.
“It was a crazy game, too many goals but we are really delighted to qualify for the next round and now we have to keep going,” said Hakimi.
“Haiti were already out of the competition but showed great spirit and made us suffer but in the end we did it.”
Haiti had only pride to play for but made Morocco work for their victory and despite losing all three games at the tournament – their first in 52 years –will depart with their reputation enhanced.
“We were up against a quality team and I hope we gave our fans something to relish,” said Haiti coach Sebastien Migne.
“We have to keep working hard to come back again four years from now.”
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