Substitute Soufiane Rahimi slipped in the third with the last kick of the match. <\/p>\n
It was tough on Canada, who were the better side in the opening period in front of a crowd of 68,777 as they sought to make more history. <\/p>\n
They came into the contest in uncharted territory, having won a World Cup match and then a knockout game for the first time to get to the last 16. <\/p>\n
They were clear underdogs and their fans were outnumbered by Morocco supporters at the air-conditioned Houston Stadium. <\/p>\n
Yet they looked the more confident at the start, Tani Oluwaseyi turning sharply in the box and forcing Morocco\u2019s Montreal-born goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to save with a stretched-out leg after 10 minutes. <\/p>\n
From Canada\u2019s fourth corner of the half, defender Alistair Johnston failed to make the most of a free header. Morocco were rattled. <\/p>\n
After 20 minutes Mohamed Ouahbi\u2019s team suffered a big injury blow, Bayern Munich-bound Ismael Saibari — who had scored three times at the tournament — coming off for Rahimi. <\/p>\n
Immediately after the drinks break Rahimi had a go optimistically from distance, registering Morocco\u2019s first shot on target with a quarter of the game gone. <\/p>\n
There was a flashpoint shortly before half-time when Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi and defender Richie Laryea had a brief shoving match, with both shown yellow cards.<\/p>\n
Luc de Fougerolles with the ball against Morocco. Photo \/ AFP<\/p>\n
Referee Michael Oliver booked six players – four from Morocco – in a half high on niggly fouls and low on goal-mouth action. <\/p>\n
The build-up to the last World Cup game of seven in Houston, with the United States celebrating its 250th birthday, was the highlight until that point. <\/p>\n
Morocco, who beat Canada in the group phase at the 2022 World Cup, came out for the second period transformed. <\/p>\n
Five minutes after the restart Hakimi pinged a low free-kick to Ounahi unmarked outside the box and he swept in first time. <\/p>\n
Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau had his view blocked by two of his defenders and the ball also went through Rahimi\u2019s legs. <\/p>\n
On 82 minutes, Ounahi was the man in the right place again on the breakaway with another right-footed first-time finish, before Rahimi pounced in the 98th minute. <\/p>\n