Morocco finish 2nd in Group C after comeback win over Haiti

Morocco came from behind twice to beat Haiti 4-2 in its final Group C match here on Thursday (Finnish time), with Achraf Hakimi scoring once and setting up another, reported Xinhua.

The win allowed Morocco to finish Group C on seven points, behind group winner Brazil on goal difference after Brazil crushed Scotland 3-0 on the same day.

Morocco had collected four points from its previous two matches, while Haiti had already been eliminated after two consecutive defeats.

Despite its early exit, Haiti was aggressive from the start and broke the deadlock in the 10th minute when Jean-Kevin Duverne burst down the right and forced an own goal from goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide pulled off a string of stunning saves in the 30th minute, denying efforts from Hakimi and Ayoub El Kaabi.

The Atlas Lions drew level in the 39th minute when Placide failed to palm away Bilal El Khannouss' cross, allowing Hakimi to prod the loose ball into the net. It was the PSG player's first World Cup goal in 13 appearances.

The game came alive in the closing minutes of the first half, as Haiti restored its lead in the 43rd minute when Wilson Isidor unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box that flew into the top corner of the net.

Three minutes later, Hakimi charged forward and set up Ismael Saibari to sweep in a first-time strike. It was Saibari's third goal of the tournament, making him the first Morocco player to score in three consecutive World Cup games.

Morocco dominated after the break, while Haiti hardly put together a clear attacking move.

The African side completed the comeback in the 78th minute when Chadi Riad flicked on a corner for Soufiane Rahimi to fire home.

Morocco sealed the win in the 89th minute as Rahimi squared for Gessime Yassine to tap in unmarked.

Haiti had a chance to grab a consolation goal, but Bounou made a one-handed save to parry Duckens Nazon's powerful free kick.

Haiti capped off its World Cup campaign with three defeats, while Scotland finished third and retained hope of advancing as one of the eight best third-place finishers.