Ounahi double fires Morocco into World Cup quarterfinals
Morocco beat Canada 3-0 to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the second consecutive time, becoming the first African nation to do so.
Azzedine Ounahi scored twice to lead Morocco to a 3-0 victory over Canada in the World Cup Round of 16, sending the Atlas Lions into the quarterfinals for the second straight tournament. Morocco is the first African team to reach the last eight more than once, having gone to the semifinals in 2022.
The match was evenly contested in the first half, with Canada creating several chances but neither side breaking through. The deadlock was broken in the 50th minute when Ounahi fired a right-footed shot from a free kick by Achraf Hakimi from outside the box into the bottom corner.
Ounahi added his second in the 82nd minute, finishing from the center of the box after a quick counterattack and pass from Brahim Díaz. Substitute Soufiane Rahimi, who replaced injured Ismael Saibari in the 22nd minute, scored the third in stoppage time.
Canada’s loss ended a historic run for the co-hosts, who had won their first-ever knockout match (1-0 against South Africa) earlier in the tournament. The Canadians were playing in only their third World Cup and captivated a nation more accustomed to hockey.
The match was physical, with eight yellow cards (four each). Canada had late chances: Jonathan David’s free kick sailed over, and Tajon Buchanan’s long shot was saved by Yassine Bounou, who was born in Canada to Moroccan parents.
Morocco will face the winner of the Paraguay vs France tie in Boston on Thursday.
