En-Nesyri’s rocket leaves Bounou helpless before Moroccan embrace in Saudi classic

Youssef En-Nesyri scored a spectacular equaliser for Al-Ittihad against Al-Hilal, beating fellow Morocco international Yassine Bounou with a powerful strike before embracing the goalkeeper instead of celebrating in front of the home supporters.

The goal came in the 22nd minute of the first half during Saturday’s Saudi Pro League meeting between the two clubs, in the eighth round of the competition.

En-Nesyri received an excellent pass from Al-Ittihad team-mate Marwan Al-Sahafi before unleashing a fierce and unexpected shot. The ball flew into the net at speed, leaving Bounou unable to keep it out despite his attempt to react.

Rather than celebrate the important goal in a fiercely contested classic, En-Nesyri immediately went over to Bounou and hugged him. The moment highlighted the friendship between the two Moroccan players away from their rivalry in Saudi Arabia.

The strike and the reaction that followed became one of the defining scenes of the match. En-Nesyri’s finish provided the goal’s attacking impact, while his decision to seek out Bounou underlined the sporting spirit between two players who regularly share the Morocco shirt.

Both men were competing to help their respective clubs win the fixture, but the embrace showed that their personal relationship remained intact despite facing each other in different colours.

The scene also reflected the close bond among Morocco’s players, even when they meet as opponents. En-Nesyri’s priority at that moment was to equalise for Al-Ittihad, but he chose to acknowledge his international team-mate immediately afterwards.

The goal was described in the match coverage as Al-Ittihad’s response arriving quickly, with En-Nesyri bringing the scores level against Al-Hilal. The accompanying footage was published by Thmanyah Sports on 10 October 2026.