Morocco coach Walid Regragui calls Yassine Bounou “one of the best goalkeepers in the world” as his heroics propel the Atlas Lions into an AFCON semi-final.
MOROCCO coach Walid Regragui has singled out goalkeeper Yassine Bounou as a world-class talent ahead of his team’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Nigeria.
Popularly known as Bono, the 34-year-old has conceded just once in five tournament matches, with that lone goal coming from a Mali penalty.
“I am reluctant to single out individuals, but Bono is a key figure in our squad,” Regragui told reporters.
ALSO READ: Osimhen stars as Nigeria beat Algeria to reach AFCON semi-finals
“He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.”
The Canada-born shot-stopper has been a pillar for Morocco, conceding only eight goals in 29 competitive and friendly internationals since the start of the 2024 AFCON.
He kept clean sheets against Tanzania and Cameroon in the knockout stages this month.
Bono now faces his toughest test against Nigeria, the tournament’s top scorers with 14 goals in five matches.
Victor Osimhen has claimed four goals, with Ademola Lookman adding three for the Super Eagles.
The goalkeeper praised his defensive unit, including captain Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui, for his impressive record.
“I feel so confident with Achraf, Noussair, Nayef (Aguerd) and Adam (Masina) in front of me,” Bono said.
“The semi-finalists have qualified on merit and all boast outstanding players.”
“My wish is that Morocco lift the trophy on Sunday.”
Born in Montreal, Bono moved to Casablanca as a child and joined Wydad’s famed academy at age eight.
He established himself in Spain with Sevilla, winning the Europa League in 2020 and 2023.
His career highlight was helping Morocco reach the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, keeping four clean sheets in seven matches.
Bono, the reigning African goalkeeper of the year, now plays for Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal. – AFP
