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Sofiane Rahimi scored a third before Azzedine Onahi doubled to knock out World Cup co-hosts Canada and send Morocco into the last eight with a 3-0 win in Houston.
The Atlas Lions now have a chance to advance to the World Cup semi-finals by defeating either France or Paraguay in the next round. In 2022, Morocco made history as they became the first African team to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
In a game that saw more yellow cards (8) than shots on target (7), Canada looked more likely to take the game early with Yassin Bounu busy between the two goalkeepers. Morocco even lost their star striker Ismael Saibari, who had to go off with an injury after just 22 minutes of play.
Onahi celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Morocco against Canada
However, Onahi ensured they would not miss Bayern Munich’s latest recruit too much, slotting home early in the second half after being fouled by Achraf Hakimi. The Girona forward’s second was taken with the same spirit as the first, finishing off a quick counter, this time setting up Brahim Diaz.
As Canada looked to maintain their historic run at the tournament, Rahimi ended another Moroccan counterattack, beating Maxime Crepieu.
If France beat Paraguay in their last-16 match, Morocco will have a chance to avenge their semi-final loss to Qatar in Boston on Thursday.
Highlights from Houston
6: Chance! Bounou denied Jonathan David from close range. The ball lands at a tight angle for the Canada forward in the area. He works to throw his left leg at it but Bunou makes himself big and stops.
11: Chance! Bounou is again called to make a big stop! Neil El Ainou’s passes forward are loose and easily intercepted. The ball is fizzed into Tani Oluwasei, who improves brilliantly with a beautiful turn to fool Redwane Halhal. He sets himself up to shoot, but Baunu gets a foot to the ball.
21: Saibari is out through injury and is replaced by Sofiane Rahimi.
40: Flashpoint! Hakimi and Richie Laria were both shown yellow after an initial push from the Moroccan turned into a brief brawl involving teammates.
45+7: Yellow! Michael Oliver has named Bilal El Khanos as his fourth Moroccan player. Six yellows were handed out before half-time.
50: Goal! Onahi fires in the opener, Hakimi frets over set-pieces.
82: Goal! Onahi made his comeback and doubled the lead, ending the counterattack.
85: Close the bar! So about a third of Morocco! Rahimi’s header hits the bottom of the bar.
90+8: Goal! Rahimi got his goal, slotting home for the win.
Analysis: Take Morocco seriously
Onahi celebrates with his teammates after scoring the second goal
Forget the dark horses, forget the underdogs – Morocco should now be considered among the powerhouses with a realistic shout of winning the competition.
You can have that on your side faith They are better prepared to handle the later stages, but that doesn’t mean we won’t take the quarter-finalists seriously from now on.
The Moroccans have shown they can win in different ways. Scoring and holding the first goal against Scotland before winning the war against Haiti. These victories were preceded by a tussle against the Netherlands and taking them to penalties.
Regardless of the location or the climate, Morocco are among the sides that are performing at a consistent level. The Sterner test awaits, but on current evidence, Morocco seem capable of handling almost anything thrown at them at the World Cup.
Marsh: We’ve had tremendous success
Canada the boss Jesse March:
“Across the pitch we put in 11 incredible performances in the first half. We were lucky not to take the lead, then it was the finer details.
“What a privilege it was for our fans to root after a game for a team like that. We had tremendous success (at the World Cup).
“Of course, we would have liked to celebrate them instead, but this is as far as we can go. Now is the time to build on what we have achieved.”
Ouahbi: We responded well in the second half
morocco the boss Mohammad Ohbi:
“It’s a World Cup match and it’s a tough game with teams playing for their lives. We responded very well in the second half with the second ball and the double play.
“I have to admit Canada were impressive – they played a top match. It was no surprise to us, but we were able to pick up where they left us in the second half and that was the key.”
