Morocco beats Haiti 4-2: striker struggles despite dominant display

The score can give the impression of a fully launched attack. Against Haiti, Morocco scored four goals, had 22 shots on goal and 11 on target. The Atlas Lions also finished with 3.262 expected goals, a very high total that confirms their offensive dominance.

On Bladi.net : Morocco beats Haiti 4-2: Hakimi shines but defensive concerns loom

But behind this impression of power, one detail raises questions. Moroccan danger did not primarily come from the starting striker. Ayoub El Kaabi played 70 minutes, but his influence in decisive areas remained limited given the overall volume produced by the team.

According to Opta data, the Moroccan striker finished his match with 3 shots, 2 on target, only 0.160 expected goal, 10 passes and 3 offside positions. In a match where Morocco attacked so much, these figures show a player poorly connected to the rest of the offensive play.

A dangerous attack, but not through its natural axis

The contrast is clear with other Moroccan players. Achraf Hakimi, despite being a right-back, displayed 1.029 expected goal, with 5 shots, 3 on target, 1 goal and 1 assist. Ismael Saibari also had more impact in the box, with 0.730 expected goal and a goal before halftime.

Even the substitutes had a more visible impact on finishing. Soufiane Rahimi scored and provided an assist in just 20 minutes. Gessime Yassine, also brought on during the match, scored Morocco’s fourth goal with an expected goal of 0.803.

This detail does not mean that Morocco’s attack malfunctioned. On the contrary, Morocco showed it could score through multiple channels: the wings, advanced midfielders, substitutes, crosses and transition situations. But it reveals a deeper question before knockout matches.

In major tournaments, a team often needs an axial focal point capable of holding up play, finishing and existing even when spaces shrink. Against Haiti, Morocco created a lot, but their striker was not really at the heart of this production.

Achraf Hakimi’s match shows Morocco’s strength on the right flank. Saibari’s confirms the midfielders’ ability to push forward. The impact of Rahimi and Yassine also gives options to the coach. But El Kaabi’s weak influence in such an open match leaves a question mark.

On Bladi.net : Morocco Haiti Match Analysis: Shot Accuracy Problem Revealed

Morocco won and did the job. But this 4-2 hides important data: the team scored four times without really establishing their number 9 in the match. Against Haiti, this did not prevent victory. Against a more closed or solid opponent, this detail could weigh more heavily.