Morocco rally past Haiti 4-2 to secure knockout spot as Group C runners-up

Morocco secured qualification for the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after producing another resilient display to defeat Haiti 4-2 in an entertaining Group C finale.

The Atlas Lions recovered from falling behind twice before second-half goals from Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine completed an impressive comeback and guaranteed second place behind group winners Brazil.

The victory extends Morocco's unbeaten run in the tournament and sends Walid Regragui's side confidently into the knockout rounds.

Haiti make the perfect start

Already eliminated from the competition, Haiti approached the match with freedom and confidence. Their fearless attitude paid off inside the opening ten minutes when a flowing attacking move ended with Lenny Joseph applying the finish. The goal was later credited as an own goal by Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou after the ball took a decisive touch on its way into the net.

The early setback forced Morocco onto the front foot, but Haiti continued to threaten on the counterattack and remained dangerous throughout the opening half.

Hakimi and Saibari respond before halftime

Morocco gradually increased the pressure and were rewarded after Achraf Hakimi reacted quickest inside the penalty area following a save by goalkeeper Johny Placide to restore parity. The equaliser barely settled Moroccan nerves.

Only minutes later, Sunderland forward Wilson Isidor produced one of the standout goals of the tournament, smashing an unstoppable effort beyond Bounou after Morocco failed to clear their lines.

Once again Morocco refused to panic. Before halftime, Ismael Saibari found space inside the penalty area and calmly finished to level the contest at 2-2, ensuring both sides entered the break all square after an action-packed opening 45 minutes.

Rahimi and Yassine complete the comeback

Unlike the first half, clear opportunities became more limited after the restart as both teams battled for control. The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 78th minute.

Following a flicked-on corner, Soufiane Rahimi reacted brilliantly, controlling the ball before turning sharply and finishing into the bottom corner to hand Morocco their first lead of the afternoon.

Haiti continued pushing forward in search of another equaliser, leaving space behind for Morocco to exploit. That opportunity arrived just before full time when Gessime Yassine finished confidently to score his first international goal.

Although VAR briefly reviewed whether the ball had remained in play during the build-up, the goal stood and sealed Morocco's victory.

Atlas Lions prepare for knockout challenge

The win sees Morocco finish second in Group C behind Brazil, with both nations ending the group stage unbeaten. Morocco will now face the winners of Group F in the Round of 32, with the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden all still capable of topping that section.

Despite conceding twice, Morocco once again demonstrated the resilience and attacking quality that carried them to the semi-finals four years ago.

For Haiti, elimination had already been confirmed before kick-off, but the Caribbean side leave the tournament with plenty of positives after producing one of their strongest performances against one of Africa's leading nations.

Their energetic attacking display and fearless approach suggested valuable progress despite exiting without a point.

SportsLigue