Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari etched his name into FIFA World Cup history as the Atlas Lions secured a dramatic 4-2 comeback victory over Haiti in their final Group C match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Moroccan midfielder became the first African player to score in all three group-stage matches of a FIFA World Cup tournament, continuing a remarkable run of form that has established him as one of the standout performers of the competition.
Saibari’s third goal of the tournament came after earlier strikes against Brazil in Morocco’s opening match and the winning goal against Scotland on matchday two. His latest effort proved crucial as Morocco twice came from behind to overcome a spirited Haitian side and confirmed their place in the knockout stages.
The victory ensured Morocco advanced to the round of 32 for the second consecutive World Cup, finishing second in Group C behind Brazil. Both nations ended the group stage with seven points, but Brazil’s superior goal difference handed the South Americans top spot.
Saibari Breaks New Ground
Morocco were forced to dig deep after Haiti stunned them with an impressive attacking display in the opening half.
The Caribbean side took the lead through an own goal from Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, a goal that marked Haiti’s first at the World Cup in 52 years. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi responded in the 39th minute, bringing the Atlas Lions level and restoring calm among the Moroccan supporters.
However, Haiti regained their advantage shortly afterwards when Wilson Isidor found the back of the net with a powerful strike to make it 2-1, threatening to derail Morocco’s hopes of finishing strongly in the group.
Saibari then produced the moment that secured his place in World Cup history. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Hakimi turned provider with a perfectly weighted low cut-back into the penalty area. The former PSV Eindhoven midfielder timed his run superbly before guiding a composed finish into the far corner beyond the reach of the Haitian goalkeeper.
The goal not only levelled the contest at 2-2 but also made Saibari the first African footballer to score in each of his country’s three group-stage matches at a World Cup tournament.
Morocco Complete Comeback
With momentum firmly on their side after the break, Morocco took control of proceedings and began to showcase the quality that has made them one of Africa’s strongest representatives on the global stage.
Soufiane Rahimi put the North Africans ahead for the first time in the match with a well-taken second-half goal, capping his first goal on the World stage.
As Haiti pushed forward in search of an equaliser, spaces began to open up in defence. Morocco capitalised late in the game when 20-year-old Gessime Yassine added a fourth goal to seal an entertaining victory.
The result highlighted Morocco’s resilience and attacking depth, qualities they will hope to carry into the knockout rounds as they seek another memorable World Cup campaign following their historic run in recent tournaments.
Despite the defeat, Haiti earned praise for their spirited performance and their willingness to attack one of Africa’s most talented sides. Their two goals represented a significant milestone for a nation making a rare appearance on football’s biggest stage.
South Africa Reach Historic Milestone
Elsewhere, South Africa created history by advancing beyond the group stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time after defeating South Korea 1-0 in their final Group A encounter.
Thapelo Maseko emerged as the hero for Bafana Bafana, scoring the decisive goal in the 63rd minute to secure a landmark victory and spark celebrations among South African supporters.
The result handed South Africa their first win of the tournament and lifted them to second place in the group with four points.
Their qualification was confirmed after Czechia failed to defeat co-hosts Mexico in the other Group A fixture, ensuring South Africa remained in the qualification positions.
Bafana Bafana’s journey to the knockout stages was far from straightforward. They opened their campaign with a defeat to Mexico before showing character to rescue a late draw against Czechia in their second match.
Needing a win against South Korea, South Africa delivered one of the most significant performances in the country’s football history. Maseko’s goal proved enough to secure a famous victory and send Bafana Bafana into the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time.
With Morocco and South Africa both progressing, African football will have multiple representatives in the round of 32, providing further evidence of the continent’s growing influence on the world stage.
READ ALSO: President Mahama Takes Resetting Ghana Tour to Central Region
