HOUSTON, Texas — Azzedine Ounahi scored twice in the second half before Soufiane Rahimi added a late third as the Atlas Lions ended Canada’s impressive run and reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the second consecutive tournament.
Morocco, who became Africa’s first World Cup semi-finalists in Qatar in 2022, will now face either France or Paraguay in Boston on 9 July.
For African football, it was another major statement from a Moroccan side that continues to demonstrate its ability to cope with the pressure of knockout football.
The Atlas Lions were far from comfortable in the first half, but they improved significantly after the break and finished strongly to extend their historic campaign.
Canada start brightly
Canada began the match with energy and belief, buoyed by the confidence of a team that had already made history by winning World Cup matches for the first time.
The co-hosts pressed high, forced Morocco into mistakes and won several early corners.
Their best opportunity came after a loose pass in Morocco’s defence allowed Ali Ahmed to pick out Tani Oluwaseyi.
The Canadian forward turned sharply away from Redouane Halhal and raced through on goal, but Yassine Bounou, Morocco’s Canada-born goalkeeper, spread himself well and made an excellent save with his left foot.
It proved a crucial moment for Morocco, who struggled to impose their rhythm during the opening period.
Their problems deepened in the 22nd minute when Ismael Saibari, their leading scorer at the tournament, was forced off with an apparent muscle injury.
Rahimi replaced him, but Morocco still needed time to settle.
Ounahi breaks the deadlock
The second half brought a transformed Morocco.
Mohamed Ouahbi’s side played with greater control, confidence and fluency in midfield.
The breakthrough came in the 50th minute from a cleverly worked set-piece.
Achraf Hakimi played the ball in from the right towards the edge of the penalty area, where Ounahi arrived just outside the D and swept a first-time shot beyond Maxime Crépeau and inside the left-hand post.
It was a superb finish and a huge moment for the midfielder, whose first World Cup goal arrived when Morocco needed inspiration most.
The goal changed the complexion of the match.
Canada’s intensity faded, while Morocco grew in authority and began to find more space on the counter-attack.
Bounou stands firm as Morocco take control
Canada attempted to respond, and Tajon Buchanan tested Bounou with a low drive, but Morocco looked increasingly composed.
The Atlas Lions defended with discipline and patiently waited for opportunities to break.
Their second goal arrived in the 82nd minute following a swift counter-attack.
Brahim Diaz laid the ball into Ounahi’s path, and the midfielder drove a powerful shot into the roof of the net to put Morocco firmly in control.
It was a historic brace.
Ounahi became the first African player to score twice in a World Cup knockout match since Henri Camara did so for Senegal against Sweden in 2002.
It also extended a remarkable personal record, with Morocco having won every match in which Ounahi has scored.
Rahimi seals Morocco’s statement
Rahimi almost added a third when his header struck the crossbar, but he eventually got his goal deep into stoppage time.
Diaz slipped a pass through the Canadian defence, and Rahimi timed his run perfectly before finishing confidently to complete a convincing victory.
The scoreline was harsh on Canada, who had started brightly and contributed to an entertaining contest, but Morocco’s quality and experience ultimately proved decisive in the second half.
For the co-hosts, the defeat brought a memorable World Cup journey to an end after reaching the knockout stage and giving their supporters lasting memories.
Morocco carry Africa’s hopes again
Morocco’s victory further strengthens their reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent World Cup teams.
They have now reached back-to-back World Cup quarter-finals, something no African nation had previously achieved.
Their run in 2022 changed the continent’s belief in what was possible on football’s biggest stage.
This campaign is proving that achievement was no one-off.
The Atlas Lions have overcome difficult moments, defeated strong opponents and displayed the maturity required to win knockout matches.
With Ounahi producing his finest performance of the tournament and Bounou once again providing assurance in goal, Morocco will travel to Boston full of belief.
The challenge will become even tougher from here.
But once again, Morocco are carrying Africa’s hopes deep into the World Cup.
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