Morocco’s futsal team advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Futsal World Cup after a hard-fought 4-3 win against Iran on Thursday at the Universal Sports Complex in Bukhara.
Iran took an early lead through Mohammadhossein Derakhshani in the 4th minute, but Morocco responded swiftly, with Khalid Bouzid equalizing in the 7th minute. An own goal by Iran’s Alireza Rafieipour in the 11th minute handed Morocco the advantage, followed by goals from Soufiane El Mesrar (17th minute) and Idriss Raiss El Fenni (20th minute), pushing the score to 4-1 by halftime.
In the second half, Iran rallied with quick goals from Hossein Taybi (21st minute) and Moslem Oladghobad (22nd minute), narrowing the deficit to 4-3. However, Morocco’s defense held firm, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
Morocco will face Brazil on Sunday in Bukhara, to secure their spot in the semis for the first time in their history.