Azzedine Ounahi scored twice before Soufiane Rahimi added a third to knock out fellow World Cup hosts Canada and send Morocco into the last eight thanks to a 3-0 win in Houston.
The Atlas Lions now have a chance to return to the semi-finals of the World Cup by beating 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 in the early stages with Yassine Bounou busy at the two goalkeepers. Morocco even lost its striker, Ismael Saibari, who had to leave injured just after 22 minutes of playing.
However, Ounahi ensured they would not miss Bayern Munich’s latest signing, firing home after Achraf Hakimi was teed up early in the second half. The Girona striker’s second goal was taken with the same composure as the first, completing a quick counter, this time set up by Brahim Diaz.
With Canada looking to keep their streak going in the tournament, Rahimi ended another Moroccan counter, firing past Maxime Crepeau.
If France can beat Paraguay in their last 16 match, Morocco will have a chance to avenge their loss to Qatar in Boston on Thursday.
Highlights from Houston
6: OPPORTUNITY! Bounou denied Jonathan David from close range. The ball lands in the strong position of the Canadian striker in the zone. He does something to swing his left foot at it but Bounou makes himself bigger and stops him.
11: OPPORTUNITY! Bounou is asked to stand again! Neil El Aynaoui’s pass forward is loose and easily blocked. The ball is played to Tani Oluwaseyi, who advances well with a good turn to deceive Redouane Halhal. He prepares to shoot, but Bounou gets a foot on the ball.
21: Saibari is forced to leave due to injury and his place is taken by Soufiane Rahimi.
40: FLASHPOINT! Hakimi and Richie Laryea were both shown yellow cards after an initial push from the Moroccan on the ball turned into a brief scuffle involving his teammates.
45+7: THURSDAY! Michael Oliver signs his fourth Moroccan player as Bilal El Khannouss’s name is taken. Six yellows are given before the break.
50: GOAL! Ounahi fires in the opener, tied by a Hakimi set piece.
82: GOAL! Ounahi doubles his comeback and lead, ending the counter attack.
85: THE BAR IS CLOSED! Almost third Morocco! Rahimi’s header hits the bottom of the bar.
90+8: GOAL! Rahimi finds his target, slotting home the winner.
Analysis: Take Morocco seriously
Ounahi celebrates with his teammates after scoring his second goal
Forget the dark horses, forget the underdogs – Morocco should now be considered a strong side with a realistic shout of winning the competition.
You may have sides that you believe me they are better equipped to handle the rigors of the final stages, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take the quarterbacks seriously.
The Moroccans have shown that they can win in different ways. Score early and hold on against Scotland before winning the battle against Haiti. That victory was before they battled the Netherlands and took it to penalties.
Morocco were among the sides that played at a consistent level, regardless of the terrain or the weather. A tougher test still awaits, but, on current evidence, Morocco seem capable of handling whatever the World Cup throws at them.
Ouahbi: we reacted well in the second half
Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi:
“The World Cup is a tough game with teams playing for their lives, we responded well in the second half in the second balls and in the duels.
“I have to say that Canada was very impressive – they played a good game. It didn’t surprise us, but in the second half we were able to take advantage of the space they left and that was the key.”
