Morocco Comeback Beats Haiti 4-2 As Rahimi And Yassine Score Off The Bench

Morocco defeated Haiti 4-2 in a high-scoring World Cup clash, yet still missed first place in Group C. Morocco ended the group phase on seven points, but Brazil stayed ahead on goal difference. Carlo Ancelotti's side eased past Scotland, so Morocco now prepare to meet the Group F winners, currently the Netherlands, in the last 32.

The Atlas Lions also still have a final Group C fixture against Tunisia later this week. That match now serves mainly for rhythm and squad management, rather than qualification pressure. Morocco, though, showed strong attacking depth against Haiti, with key contributions from substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine, who both scored late goals to secure a comfortable margin.

Ismael Saibari again delivered on the big stage and set two World Cup records for African football. Saibari became the first African player to score in all three group-stage games in a single World Cup edition. Saibari also became the first Morocco player to reach three goals at FIFA's flagship tournament, moving beyond Abdeljalil Hadda, Salaheddine Bassir, Abderrazak Khairi, and Youssef En-Nesyri.

Morocco always knew that overhauling Brazil in Group C would be difficult, and the Haiti match underlined that challenge. Haiti were highly competitive and doubled their all-time World Cup goal tally before half-time. However, Morocco's superior individual quality eventually made the difference, with Saibari, Achraf Hakimi, Rahimi, and Yassine all making decisive contributions in attack.

Hakimi produced a complete performance against Haiti and continued setting records for Morocco at the World Cup. Hakimi has now created 22 chances at the tournament, including seven in this game, the most by any Morocco player in World Cup history. The Paris Saint-Germain full-back also finally scored a World Cup goal in what was Hakimi's 13th appearance.

Beyond the goal and assist, Hakimi led Morocco in several other statistics against Haiti. Hakimi recorded a team-high 104 touches and delivered nine crosses from the right flank. Hakimi also finished level with Saibari as joint-top shooter for Morocco with five attempts, underlining constant involvement in both build-up play and final-third actions throughout the contest.

Morocco vs Haiti World Cup Group C match flow and key goals

Haiti shocked Morocco early, scoring in the 10th minute after a clever move down the flank. Jean-Kevin Duverne delivered a low cross that Lenny Joseph backheeled towards goal. The ball struck Yassine Bounou before crossing the line, with the effort recorded as an own goal against the goalkeeper rather than credited to Joseph.

Morocco responded by increasing the tempo and forcing Haiti to defend deep. Johny Placide produced an outstanding double save, first blocking Hakimi and then denying Ayoub El Kaabi from close range. Morocco continued pressing and levelled six minutes before half-time. Placide failed to hold Bilal El Khannouss' deflected strike, allowing Hakimi to bundle the rebound over the line from point-blank range.

The match quickly swung again as Haiti restored the lead four minutes later with a spectacular long-range effort. Wilson Isidor collected the ball around 25 yards out and drove a powerful shot into the top-left corner. Morocco then equalised for 2-2 during first-half added time at Atlanta Stadium, when Saibari guided Hakimi's low cutback into the bottom-left corner for Saibari's third goal of the tournament.

Early in the second half, Saibari almost grabbed another but sliced wide from close range, though an offside flag spared embarrassment. Haiti remained a threat on transitions yet created few clear chances and rarely tested Bounou after the break. Morocco gradually controlled territory and possession, wearing Haiti down while bringing fresh energy from the substitutes' bench.

Morocco World Cup win over Haiti in Group C sealed by substitutes

Rahimi changed the match decisively after coming on, scoring Morocco's third goal 12 minutes from time. Chadi Riad rose to flick on a high ball, and Rahimi controlled before shooting. The effort took a deflection that wrong-footed Placide and nestled in the net, finally ending Haiti's hopes of claiming a first World Cup point.

Morocco added a fourth in the 89th minute, again involving Rahimi in the build-up. Rahimi battled to keep the ball in play while challenging Carlens Arcus near the byline. The loose ball fell for Yassine, who finished from close range. The referee confirmed the goal after a lengthy VAR check, giving Morocco extra comfort on the scoreboard.

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To reflect the attacking nature of the contest, the underlying numbers strongly favoured Morocco. The Atlas Lions attempted 22 shots and posted an expected goals figure of 3.26. Haiti managed nine efforts with an xG of 0.66 but will still draw encouragement from scoring twice. The statistical profile aligned with the final scoreline, which reflected Morocco's sustained pressure.

The result leaves Morocco short of top spot, yet with real confidence heading into the knockouts. Saibari's record-breaking run and Hakimi's influence highlight a side with many threats. Haiti exit with pride after a bold display and two well-taken goals, while Morocco now look ahead to facing the Group F winners and then Tunisia.