Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 as Saibari scores again

Morocco’s Ismael Saibari (No 11) celebrates after scoring an early goal against Scotland at Boston Stadium. (AFP pic)

FOXBOROUGH: Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 in Group C of the World Cup on Friday with Ismael Saibari scoring his second goal in as many games after 71 seconds, leaving the North Africans well placed to advance into the round of 32.

With the game barely underway, Saibari ran on to a pass from Brahim Diaz with Scotland’s defenders left watching and he lashed the ball past goalkeeper Angus Gunn. Morocco looked a class above Scotland for much of the first half.

Although Steve Clarke’s men played with more intensity after the break, it was Morocco who came closest to getting the game’s second goal when an effort by Saibari was deflected on to the bar shortly after the interval.

Morocco have four points after drawing 1-1 with Brazil in their first match and they face Haiti in their final group match. Scotland have three points after beating Haiti 1-0 last Saturday which might be enough to see them into the World Cup knockout round for the first time. The Scots will close out their group games against Brazil next Wednesday.