Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou suffers injury during AFCON qualifiers

Morocco’s national football team was dealt a significant blow as star goalkeeper Yassine Bounou suffered an injury during the third round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The incident occurred in the 30th minute of the first half in Saturday’s match against the Central African Republic, forcing Bounou to leave the pitch early.

Bounou’s sudden exit was a cause for concern, but substitute goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi stepped up, ensuring Morocco maintained their strong performance.

The match ended in a resounding 5-0 victory for Morocco, showcasing their dominance on the field despite the unfortunate incident.

The injury has raised questions about Bounou’s fitness and availability for the remainder of the qualification campaign.

With the AFCON finals approaching, the Moroccan team is counting on Bounou’s experience and skill to boost their chances.

The tournament is set to be hosted by Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, and Bounou is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s success.

Morocco is currently navigating through a competitive qualification process, with 48 teams divided into 12 groups. The top two teams from each group will earn a spot in the finals.

With strong performances so far, Morocco aims to secure one of the top two positions in Group B to guarantee direct qualification.

Yassine Bounou, who also plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, has been an essential figure for the national team since his debut in 2013.

As of September 6, 2024, he has earned 68 caps for Morocco, establishing himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in African football.

Bounou was a key player in Morocco’s historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the team made it to the semi-finals, becoming the first African and Arab nation to achieve this milestone.

His exceptional performances were instrumental in leading Morocco to the quarter-finals, and his efforts have left a lasting legacy on the international stage.

As fans and teammates await updates on Bounou’s condition, there is hope that the injury will not sideline him for long, allowing him to continue to be a critical part of Morocco’s journey toward AFCON glory.