Morocco leaned on a record-setting early goal from Ismael Saibari to carve out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Scotland and move a step closer to the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on Saturday (PH time) in Boston.

 

Saibari needed just around 70 seconds to break the deadlock, racing onto a pass from Brahim Díaz before slotting home what stood as the fastest goal of the tournament, putting the Atlas Lions in control before Scotland had even found its rhythm.

 

Morocco dictated the tempo for most of the opening half, with Saibari, Díaz and Achraf Hakimi repeatedly threatening the Scottish defense. But goalkeeper Angus Gunn came up with a string of timely saves to keep the deficit at one and give the Scots a fighting chance.

 

Scotland showed more urgency after halftime, with manager Steve Clarke turning to Lyndon Dykes in the 71st minute in search of an equalizer. The Scots piled on the pressure in the closing stages and earned several dangerous set pieces, but Morocco's backline stood firm to protect its slender advantage until the final whistle.

 

The result handed Morocco a vital three points in the tightly contested Group C race and strengthened its bid for a place in the knockout stage, while Scotland was left needing a result in its final group assignment to keep its World Cup campaign alive.