Canada began with real energy and played with the freedom of a side determined to make the most of home advantage.

Richie Laryea caused problems down the left, while Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi both forced Bono into important saves as Morocco struggled with loose passing at the back.

The Atlas Lions also suffered an early setback when Ismael Saibari limped off with what appeared to be a hamstring problem, making way for Rahimi.

Despite Canada's brighter start, Morocco grew into the contest and struck after the break through a clever set-piece.

Achraf Hakimi drilled the ball from the right towards Azzedine Ounahi on the edge of the area, and the midfielder curled a superb effort through a crowd of bodies and beyond Maxime Crepeau to give Morocco the lead.

From there, Morocco found another gear. Canada pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but that only opened the door for the Atlas Lions to show their quality on the counter.

Brahim Diaz led the charge for the second goal, gliding into the area before teeing up Ounahi, who calmly picked his spot to complete a brilliant double and leave Canada with a mountain to climb.

Rahimi, who had earlier rattled the underside of the crossbar with a header from another Ounahi-led break, eventually got the goal his performance deserved.

A turnover in midfield allowed Morocco to spring forward once again, and Rahimi kept his cool when sent clear, slotting home to seal a commanding win.

For Canada, it was a painful end after a promising opening spell in which they looked capable of troubling Morocco. But Bono's saves, Morocco's composure and their devastating transitions proved decisive. The Atlas Lions march on to the last eight, with either Paraguay or France now waiting in the quarter-finals.

A. Ounahi

Achievements