Ounahi Double Seals Morocco 3-0 Win Over Canada

Morocco beat Canada 3-0 in the World Cup Round of 16 as Azzedine Ounahi scored twice and Soufiane Rahimi added a late third to seal progression to the quarter-finals.

First half: scrappy, punctuated by cards

The opening 45 minutes produced few clear-cut chances but plenty of stoppages. Morocco picked up the initial booking when Redouane Halhal was shown yellow in the 20th minute, and both sides accumulated cautions as the half progressed. Canada received three yellow cards before the break — Richie Laryea was booked on 40 minutes and Jonathan David followed on 43 — while Morocco saw Achraf Hakimi booked on 40 and Azzedine Ounahi cautioned shortly before half-time.

Despite the interruptions, possession tilted towards Morocco. The Atlas side completed 472 passes in the match at an 82% success rate and held 55% of the ball by full-time, compared with Canada’s 357 passes at 76% and 45% possession. Canada produced more volume in attack — 11 total shots to Morocco’s five, and seven attempts inside the penalty area — but many of those efforts were off target or blocked, leaving them with a lower returns rate from their opportunities.

Second half: Ounahi opens and doubles the lead

The deadlock broke early in the second period. In the 50th minute Achraf Hakimi provided the assist for Ounahi’s opener, and Morocco moved ahead 1-0. Canada responded with changes as the match moved into its second hour and both coaches reshuffled; several substitutions followed in the 63rd minute as managers sought fresh legs on both sides.

Canada’s attempts to force an equaliser were frustrated by Morocco’s compact defensive shape and efficient finishing. Ounahi struck again in the 82nd minute, this time fed by Brahim Díaz, to extend the lead to 2-0. That second goal underlined the gulf between the sides in terms of precision in key areas: Morocco managed four shots on target from five total attempts, while Canada had three on target from 11 attempts.

Late drama and the final flourish

The closing stages brought more changes and one final decisive moment. Canada introduced attacking options in the 78th and 87th minutes to try to turn the game, but Morocco absorbed the pressure and countered. In stoppage time — the eighth minute of additional time — Soufiane Rahimi converted a Brahim Díaz assist to make it 3-0 and remove any doubt about the outcome. The match finished with Morocco three goals to the good and Canada unable to find a reply.

Discipline remained an issue for both teams; the official tally showed four yellow cards apiece. Canada committed 24 fouls across the game compared to Morocco’s 14, and Canada won 11 corner kicks to Morocco’s single corner, demonstrating territorial pressure that ultimately failed to yield goals.

Statistics that shaped the result

The box score underlines the narrative. Morocco’s efficiency carried the day: 55% possession, 472 total passes and 389 accurate passes at an 82% completion rate. They converted a small number of chances into a decisive three-goal margin. Canada produced more attacking volume — 11 shots, seven inside the box — and racked up 11 corners, yet could not convert that territorial advantage into goals. The expected goals figure slightly favoured Canada on paper (Canada 0.86, Morocco 0.78), but Morocco’s clinical finishing and goalkeeping kept the scoreboard moving their way; Yassine Bounou made three saves while Maxime Crépeau recorded one.

Other notable figures: Canada had three blocked shots to Morocco’s nil, Canada were called offside twice to Morocco’s three, and both teams registered a goals prevented metric of 0.66 in the supplied data.

The result sends Morocco into the World Cup quarter-finals and ends Canada’s run in the tournament at the Round of 16. Morocco will progress in the competition after a performance that combined control in possession with ruthless efficiency in front of goal; Canada depart having dominated territory and chances at times but without the cutting edge required to turn that into a comeback.

With the tie decided, Morocco prepare for a quarter-final assignment in the next round of the World Cup. Canada’s focus now turns to regrouping away from the tournament following elimination at the Round of 16 stage.

Key Moments

50′ ⚽ Morocco — Azzedine Ounahi (assist: Achraf Hakimi)

82′ ⚽ Morocco — Azzedine Ounahi (assist: Brahim Díaz)

90+8′ ⚽ Morocco — Soufiane Rahimi (assist: Brahim Díaz)