The Atlas Lions became the first team to roar into the World Cup quarterfinals following a 3-0 win against co-hosts Canada on July 4, stretching their unbeaten run to 34 games in all competitions.
The hosts dominated the early stages of the game with forward Tani Oluwaseyi coming close to opening the scoring, his shot from inside the box hitting Moroccan stopper Bono. The goalkeeper was again called to action not long after before an open chance fell into an unmarked Alistair Johnstone, whose header was well defended.
The second half saw a change in strategy by Mohamed Ouahbi, as the Lions quickly took the lead within the opening five minutes courtesy of an Achraf Hakimi free kick that was converted by Azzedine Ounahi. The Granada forward hit jackpot again in the 82nd minute when a counter attack led by Brahim Diaz opened him up to net in his second of the game.
Soufiane Rahimi, who came on for injured forward Ismael Saibari after just 22 minutes added the third in the final minute of stoppage time to seal the game and take the Lions into their second consecutive quarterfinal.
Canada’s loss ends an impressive run that saw them qualify for the Round of 16 for the first time after knocking South Africa out of the competition in their Round of 32 clash.
Morocco is set to face the winner of Saturday’s other clash – Paraguay vs France in Boston on July 9.
