MIAMI, Florida – Canada’s campaign at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 came to an end on Thursday night with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Morocco in Group F at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
It was a rough start for Canada, as Morocco were able to take a 1-0 lead in just the fourth minute of play when defensive miscues from DF Steven Vitoria and GK Milan Borjan allowed Hakim Ziyech to loop a shot into an open net.
Canada looked to answer and had a good look in the 15’ via the counterattack when Cyle Larin slid a pass across goal to Tajon Buchnan, but Buchanan was unable to get on the end of it cleanly.
Canada’s comeback task got a lot more difficult in the 23’ when Morocco struck for a second score, as Youssef En-Nesyri sprinted past a pair of Canadian defenders to run onto a long ball and fire a shot past Borjan to make it 2-0.
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Morocco were in complete control, but in the blink of an eye the momentum swung to Canada when a deep cross from Sam Adekugbe deflected off the foot of Morocco DF Nayef Aguerd and rolled past GK Yassine Bounou to cut the deficit to 2-1. It was also the second goal for Canada in Senior Men’s World Cup history.
Canada stayed on the hunt in an attempt to pull level and Alphonso Davies nearly did just that with a stabbing effort in the 58’ that twisted wide.
They then came agonizingly close to a second in the 71’ on a strong header from Atiba Hutchinson, that glanced off the crossbar and onto the goal-line before a follow up header popped over the bar.
The back-and-forth between the two teams continued, as Morocco sought an insurance goal, while Canada pursued an equalizer and a chance to secure their first ever World Cup point.
In the end, though, Canada’s final push did not produce another goal, capping the nation’s campaign at Qatar 2022.