Saibari Makes World Cup History

Saibari Makes World Cup History 

By Admin 

Morocco booked their place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Haiti 4-2 in an entertaining Group C encounter, with Ismael Saibari making history in the process, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Atlas Lions finished second in the group behind Brazil, who secured top spot after defeating Scotland in the final round of group matches.

Having drawn with Brazil and beaten Scotland in their opening two fixtures, Morocco entered the match knowing victory would guarantee progression to the knockout stage while keeping alive their hopes of topping the group.

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi made four changes to the side that narrowly overcame Scotland, while Haiti manager Sebastien Migne opted for only two alterations following his team's defeat to Brazil.

Haiti made a bright start and stunned the African side in the 11th minute when Lenny Joseph finished from close range after meeting a delivery into the box.

Morocco responded positively and gradually increased the pressure on the Haitian defence. Their persistence paid off in the 38th minute when Achraf Hakimi reacted quickest to a rebound to bring the Atlas Lions level.

The parity was short-lived, however, as Haiti restored their advantage moments later through Wilson Isidor, whose spectacular long-range strike left the Moroccan defence helpless.

Morocco again found an immediate response. Hakimi turned provider this time, cutting the ball back for Ismael Saibari, who calmly slotted home to make it 2-2 before halftime.

The goal was a landmark moment for Saibari, who became the first African player to score in all three group-stage matches at a FIFA World Cup. The strike also made him the first African footballer since Ghana's Asamoah Gyan in 2010 to score three goals at a single World Cup tournament.

After an action-packed first half, Morocco continued to dominate possession following the restart but initially struggled to break down Haiti's determined resistance.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 79th minute when a corner caused confusion in the Haitian penalty area, allowing substitute Soufiane Rahimi to fire home and complete the comeback.

Morocco sealed the victory late on when Rahimi kept the ball alive and set up Gessime Yassine, who finished confidently to make it 4-2.

The result secured Morocco's place in the knockout rounds alongside group winners Brazil and maintained the Atlas Lions' hopes of a deep run in the tournament.