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Rabat – Morocco’s national coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, has highly commended Yassine Gessime following his standout performance against Haiti on Wednesday.
Morocco secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Haiti in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup group match, fighting back twice from behind to lock in their spot in the Round of 32.
Despite an energetic challenge from Haiti, the Atlas Lions rallied with goals from Achraf Hakimi, Ismael Saibari, Soufiane Rahimi, and a late sealer from Gessime to finish second in Group C.
The match marked a historic personal milestone for Gessime, who made his FIFA World Cup debut as a second-half substitute before finding the back of the net thanks to a precise assist from Rahimi.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ouahbi reflected on the youngster’s impactful debut, emphasizing the importance of staying sharp on the bench as he revealed the advice he gave him ahead of the game.
“The message always remains the same: you must be ready. I remember telling him a few days ago, ‘Be ready. The opportunity might come or it might not, but if it does, you have to be prepared,’ and that was the perfect moment for him,” the Moroccan coach said.
The coach also stressed how the 20-year-old’s performance during preparation earned him the opportunity, noting that his approach remains consistent for every player on the team.
“We noticed it in training, and we felt that this type of match would suit him well too. He came on and did well, but I didn’t tell him anything special. That is exactly what I say to all the other players who participated in the previous games,” he explained.
With their spot in the Round of 32 officially secured, Morocco now looks ahead to the knockout stage, where the depth and readiness of players like Gessime will be crucial for the Atlas Lions’ tournament ambitions.
