By Samuel Akpan
Morocco made history once again on Saturday, storming into the World Cup quarterfinals with a dominant 3-0 victory over co-hosts Canada in Houston.
With this win, they cement their legacy as the first African nation to reach the tournament’s final eight on multiple occasions.
The Atlas Lions’ victory was built on a dominant second-half display, with midfielder Azzedine Ounahi claiming two goals in a clinical showing.
Before the turnaround, the first half had been a physical and fragmented contest.
Referee Michael Oliver handed out five yellow cards amid intense challenges as Jesse Marsch’s Canada side attempted to unsettle their opponents with high pressing.
Early threats from Canada’s Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi were repelled by a resolute Moroccan backline anchored by shot-stopper Yassine Bounou, ensuring the teams went into the break goalless.
Morocco seized control after the restart.
In the 50th minute, a well-worked free-kick routine involving Achraf Hakimi created the opening for Ounahi to fire in a low, powerful effort from distance that left goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau with no chance.
Canada’s forward push left spaces that Morocco exploited ruthlessly.
Brahim Díaz delivered a superb pass after a clever dribble, allowing Ounahi to tap in his second and put the result beyond doubt.
Substitute Soufiane Rahimi added gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time, capitalizing on a defensive mistake to score the third goal and ignite celebrations in the stands.
While the defeat ends Canada’s surprising run as co-hosts on a sour note, Morocco’s players are steadily building on the legacy of their 2022 semifinal campaign with this latest achievement.
Attention now shifts to Boston, where the Atlas Lions will take on the winner of the France versus Paraguay Round of 16 tie.
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