Ounahi double ends Canada’s historic World Cup run

Morocco advanced to the World Cup quarter-finals with a clinical 3–0 victory over co-hosts Canada at Houston Stadium.

Canada produced the stronger opening and repeatedly disrupted Morocco with their aggressive pressing. Yassine Bounou denied Jonathan David before making an excellent reaction save from Tani Oluwaseyi.

Morocco suffered an early setback when Ismael Saibari was forced off with an injury, while a physical first half produced six yellow cards but no goals.

The Atlas Lions broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart. Achraf Hakimi rolled a free-kick towards the edge of the penalty area, allowing Azzedine Ounahi to sweep a low finish into the bottom corner.

Canada pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Bounou tipped Tajon Buchanan’s dipping long-range effort over the crossbar.

Morocco doubled their advantage in the 82nd minute. Brahim Díaz led a rapid counterattack before releasing Ounahi, who calmly converted his second goal of the match.

Soufiane Rahimi struck the crossbar shortly afterwards before completing the scoring in the eighth minute of stoppage time, finishing another counterattack beyond Maxime Crépeau.

Morocco progressed to face either Paraguay or France in the quarter-finals, while Canada’s best-ever World Cup campaign came to an end.

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Scorers:
Morocco: Ounahi 50’, 82’; Rahimi 90+8’

Player of the Match: Azzedine Ounahi