Canada 0 – 3 Morocco

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 control of the game in the early stages with Yassine Bounou busy in 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.

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