WC26: Ounahi Leads Morocco Into Quarters With 3-0 Win Over Canada

Azzedine Ounahi scored twice in the second half as Morocco defeated co-host Canada 3-0 Saturday in Houston, advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals, per ESPN. Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal in stoppage time to complete the victory despite Canada holding a narrow 0.84 to 0.82 edge in expected goals . Canada started the stronger side, with Jonathan David's angled effort from a corner palmed away by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who then produced a sharp reaction stop to deny Tani Oluwaseyi inside the area. Alphonso Davies remained on the bench throughout. Bounou, born in Montreal and raised in Casablanca, was central to keeping Morocco level through the first half. The Atlas Lions had managed just one effort on goal before the break, a long-range Rahimi shot gathered by goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau. Morocco broke through five minutes into the second half. Achraf Hakimi rolled a free kick from the right to the edge of the penalty area, and Ounahi swept a low shot into the bottom corner. Ounahi doubled the advantage with eight minutes remaining, finishing on the counter after a Brahim Diaz cutback. Rahimi struck the crossbar with a header before sweeping in a third during stoppage time following another swift breakaway. Morocco entered the match on a 33-game unbeaten run and were forced into an early substitution when Ismael Saibari, who recently completed a transfer to Bayern Munich, exited in the 22nd minute. Morocco advance to the quarterfinals to face France or Paraguay.