Azzedine Ounahi scored two goals, leading Morocco to a 3-0 victory over Canada in the World Cup Round of 16. This win makes Morocco the first African nation to reach the quarterfinals more than once.
This is Morocco's second straight appearance in the last eight. They were the first African team to reach the semifinals in 2022.
Morocco's Path to Victory
Canada started strong, but Morocco broke the tie in the 50th minute. Ounahi took a free kick from Achraf Hakimi and shot it from outside the box. The ball went through traffic and into the bottom right corner of the net.
We're a new kind of news feed.
Regular news is designed to drain you. We're a non-profit built to restore you. Every story we publish is scored for impact, progress, and hope.
Start Your News DetoxOunahi scored again in the 82nd minute. He received a pass from Brahim Díaz during a quick counterattack and shot from the middle of the box. Soufiane Rahimi, who came in for an injured player, added the third goal in the final minute of stoppage time.
Morocco will play the winner of the Paraguay vs France match in Boston on Thursday.
Canada's World Cup Journey Ends
Canada's loss ends their historic run as World Cup cohosts. They had won their first-ever knockout round match 1-0 against South Africa. This was only Canada's third time playing in the World Cup. Their performance captured the attention of a nation usually more focused on hockey.
Morocco, ranked sixth by FIFA, reached the Round of 16 by beating the Netherlands in a penalty shootout. This sent the Dutch home earlier than expected.
The match was very physical, with eight yellow cards given out, four to each team. Canada had chances to score late in the game. Jonathan David's free kick in the 78th minute went over the crossbar. Shortly after, goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a diving save on Tajon Buchanan's shot. Bounou, born in Canada to Moroccan parents, made three saves to secure the win.
This game was a rematch from the last World Cup in Qatar. Morocco had beaten Canada 2-1 in the group stage there, eventually finishing fourth in the tournament.
Morocco’s Azzedine Ounahi scores their second goal [Issei Kato/Reuters]
