Morocco’s first-choice goalkeeper Yassine Bounou will sit out the national team’s upcoming friendly matches against Tunisia and Benin, scheduled for June 7 and June 10, respectively.
The friendlies are part of the Atlas Lions’ preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Bounou, who currently plays for Al Hilal, will miss the games due to his club’s training camp ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
In his absence, national team head coach Walid Regragui has turned to FAR Rabat’s Hamza Hamiani as a replacement.
Hamiani has been in excellent form this season, impressing in both the Moroccan League and the CAF Champions League.
Third-choice goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid is also unavailable, as he will be representing Wydad Athletic Club in the same Club World Cup tournament.
To fill the gap, Regragui is expected to call up Salah El Din Chehab from Maghreb de Fès (MAS).
With both Bounou and Benabid out, experienced goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi is set to take over as Morocco’s number one during the international break.
These call-ups reflect Regragui’s strategy to broaden his goalkeeping options ahead of a busy schedule that includes major continental and international competitions, especially AFCON 2025.
