Azzedine Ounahi scored two goals to lead Morocco to a 3-0 victory over Canada in the World Cup round of 16 on Saturday, securing the team's place in the quarterfinals. This marks Morocco's second appearance in the quarterfinals, making them the first African nation to achieve this feat more than once.
Morocco took the lead in the 50th minute when Ounahi converted a free kick from Achraf Hakimi with a right-footed shot from outside the box. He extended the lead in the 82nd minute, scoring from the middle of the box off a pass from Brahim Díaz. Soufiane Rahimi added a third goal in second-half stoppage time.
Morocco is set to face the winner of the match between Paraguay and France on Thursday at Boston Stadium. The loss concludes a historic tournament for co-host Canada, which had won its first-ever knockout round match against South Africa to advance to Saturday's game. This was Canada's third appearance in the World Cup.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, born in Canada to Moroccan parents, made three saves to preserve the clean sheet. Canada had opportunities to score late in the match, including a free kick from Jonathan David that went over the crossbar in the 78th minute, and a shot from Tajon Buchanan that was stopped by Bounou.
The match was physical, with eight yellow cards issued, four to each team. Hakimi and Canada's Richie Laryea received yellow cards in the 40th minute following a minor scuffle. Morocco midfielder Ismael Saibari was substituted due to injury in the 22nd minute.