Sorry Nigeria! Morocco Set New African World Cup Record After Thrilling Win Over Haiti

Morocco became the most successful African nation in FIFA World Cup history after defeating Haiti 4-2 in their final Group C match on Wednesday.

The victory was Morocco’s seventh win at the World Cup, moving the Atlas Lions ahead of Nigeria, who previously held the African record with six victories.

Late goals from Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine sealed the historic win in Atlanta as Morocco came from behind twice to deny Haiti a first-ever World Cup point.

Haiti stunned the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists by taking the lead in the 10th minute when a flick from Lenny Joseph went in off Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou for an own goal.

Morocco responded through Achraf Hakimi, who levelled in the 39th minute after Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide failed to keep out Brahim Diaz’s effort.

However, Haiti regained the lead just before half-time when Wilson Isidor scored a stunning long-range strike into the top corner.

Morocco hit back again in first-half stoppage time as Ismael Saibari scored his third goal of the tournament after a well-worked move involving Hakimi.

The Atlas Lions finally took control in the closing stages when substitute Rahimi’s effort took a deflection and found the net with 12 minutes remaining.

Yassine then wrapped up the victory in the 89th minute after a VAR check confirmed Rahimi had kept the ball in play before providing the assist.

The win ensured Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil, who beat Scotland 3-0 to claim top spot.

Although Morocco could not finish first in the group, the result secured another piece of history for African football. Their seventh World Cup victory is now the highest number achieved by any African nation in the competition, surpassing Nigeria’s long-standing mark of six wins.

For Haiti, the defeat brought an end to a spirited campaign. The Caribbean side, ranked 83rd in the world, exited the tournament without a point but earned praise for scoring twice against one of the strongest teams in the competition.

Morocco will now face either the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden in the Round of 32, while Haiti return home after finishing bottom of Group C.