Morocco Player Ratings vs Haiti: Saibari Shines, Bounou Forgiven
The hero: Soufiane Rahimi
Introduced from the bench, Rahimi changed the match. His 78th-minute goal gave Morocco the lead for the first time and turned a nervous, see-saw contest decisively in the Atlas Lions' favour. It was the intervention of a player who reads big moments, and it justified Regragui's faith in his attacking options off the bench.
On a night when Morocco's starters struggled to put Haiti away, the substitutes delivered. Rahimi's energy and composure were exactly what the game demanded.
The constant: Achraf Hakimi
Once again Hakimi was Morocco's most influential player. His 39th-minute equaliser settled the team after a shaky start, and his attacking thrust down the right flank was a recurring source of danger. As so often, when Morocco needed a leader to step forward, their right-back answered the call.
There is a reason Hakimi is considered one of the best full-backs in the world. Against Haiti, his blend of pace, end product and big-game temperament was on full display.
The finisher: Ismael Saibari
Saibari's stoppage-time strike just before half-time was crucial, cancelling out Isidor's screamer and ensuring Morocco went into the break level rather than behind. It was his third goal of the tournament, making him Morocco's leading scorer and one of the breakout names of their 2026 campaign.
Beyond the goal, Saibari's movement and willingness to arrive in the box at the right moments have become a genuine weapon for this Morocco side.
The late insurance: Gessime Yassine
Yassine's 89th-minute goal made the points safe and gave the scoreline a comfortable look that the contest itself never quite had. A clinical late finish to kill the game and reward Morocco's second-half dominance after the comeback was complete.
The forgiven: Yassine Bounou
It was a night to forget for Morocco's goalkeeper. The early own goal that gave Haiti the lead, followed by Isidor's long-range strike, meant Bounou was beaten twice in a half for the first time in a long while. Yet there was no time for the goalkeeper to dwell on it, because his teammates rescued him with four goals at the other end.
Bounou remains one of the world's best goalkeepers and a leader in this squad. This was an off night, but the comeback ensured it will be remembered as a footnote rather than a defining moment.
The bigger picture
Collectively, Morocco's display was a mixed bag. The defensive lapses that allowed Haiti to lead twice will concern Regragui, particularly with the Netherlands next. But the strength in depth, the impact of the substitutes and the team's refusal to panic when behind are all encouraging signs heading into the knockout rounds.
Tournament football rewards teams that find a way to win on difficult nights. Morocco did exactly that against Haiti, and they will hope the rough edges are smoothed out before Monterrey.
| Player | Contribution | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Soufiane Rahimi | Go-ahead goal (78') | Match-winner off the bench |
| Achraf Hakimi | Equaliser (39'), constant threat | Leader again |
| Ismael Saibari | Goal (45+1'), 3rd of tournament | Morocco's top scorer |
| Gessime Yassine | Goal (89') | Killed the game |
| Yassine Bounou | Own goal, beaten twice | Off night, rescued by teammates |
Key performers vs Haiti
FAQ
Who was Morocco's best player against Haiti?
Substitute Soufiane Rahimi arguably had the biggest impact with the go-ahead goal, while Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari also starred.
How many goals has Saibari scored at the 2026 World Cup?
Ismael Saibari scored his third goal of the tournament against Haiti, making him Morocco's leading scorer in the group stage.
What happened to Bounou against Haiti?
Yassine Bounou conceded an own goal in the 10th minute and was beaten by Wilson Isidor's long-range strike, but Morocco's comeback meant his errors were not costly.
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