Egypt’s Mostafa Shobeir praises Morocco star Bounou after World Cup heroics

Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir has described Morocco’s Yassine Bounou as one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of Arab football, praising the Atlas Lions star’s influence between the posts and his remarkable penalty-saving ability.

The Al Ahly goalkeeper revealed that he and Bounou remain in regular contact, with the Moroccan shot-stopper reaching out to him after Egypt’s FIFA World Cup defeat to Argentina. Shobeir also returned the gesture following Morocco’s dramatic penalty-shootout victory over the Netherlands.

“I am in contact with Bounou, and he sent me a message after the Argentina match,” Shobeir said during a media interview.

Shobeir enjoyed his own standout moment at the tournament when he denied Lionel Messi from the penalty spot in Egypt’s round-of-16 clash against Argentina. Despite racing into a two-goal lead, the Pharaohs were eventually beaten 3-2.

Penalty masterclass leaves Shobeir amazed

Bounou once again underlined his reputation as one of the world’s finest penalty specialists when Morocco overcame the Netherlands in a shootout after a 1-1 draw following extra time.

The Moroccan goalkeeper produced the decisive save by denying Crysencio Summerville before Ismael Saibari converted the winning penalty to secure a 3-2 shootout triumph and send the Atlas Lions into the next round.

Shobeir admitted he was fascinated by one particular save, in which Bounou remained rooted to the spot before making the stop.

“I messaged him after he saved the penalty against the Netherlands while remaining in his position,” Shobeir said.

“I told him: ‘Explain to me how you did it. I have never seen a goalkeeper save a penalty while standing without moving.’ It was something new and certainly another special moment for him.”

‘He has created his own style’

The Egyptian international believes Bounou’s impact extends beyond spectacular saves, saying the Morocco number one has established a unique identity that sets him apart from other goalkeepers.

“For me, Bounou is one of the best goalkeepers in the history of Arab football,” he said.

“He is a great goalkeeper who became a professional at an early age and makes a real difference for the Moroccan national team.”

Shobeir also credited Bounou for developing a distinctive approach to goalkeeping.

“He has created his own style, whether through his movements inside the goal or his exceptional ability to save penalties,” Shobeir added.

The Egypt goalkeeper also spoke warmly of Bounou’s character off the pitch, describing the Moroccan international as a respectful person and expressing his delight at being compared with one of Africa’s most accomplished goalkeepers.