Morocco’s Goalkeeper Spot in Question Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Who between Yassine Bounou alias Bono or Munir Mohamedi will be the starting goalkeeper for Morocco’s matches against Niger and Tanzania scheduled for March 17 and 24, 2025, as part of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup? Considered one of the most prominent names in the history of Moroccan national team goalkeepers, especially after his brilliant performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he largely contributed to the exceptional and historic run, Bono is not shining with Al-Hilal in recent weeks.

His club is going through a difficult period, marked by a drop in performance. Bounou has conceded 12 goals in his last 10 matches. Meanwhile, his competitor Munir Mohamedi is thriving with his club, Nahdat Berkane. He is showing an exceptional level in the Moroccan championship and the Confederation Cup, receiving strong support from the Atlas Lions supporters. Mohamedi has only conceded 3 goals. He is therefore in an ideal position to claim the starting position.

While rumors are circulating about the possibility of seeing Bounou relegated to the bench, a source close to the Moroccan national team’s goalkeeping coach, Omar Harrak, said that Walid Regragui has no intention of excluding Bounou from the starting lineup. "Bounou is the number one goalkeeper of the national team, and any change could have a negative impact on the team’s performance," this source estimates, adding that "Harrak maintains regular contact with Bounou to boost his morale, as well as with Mohamedi, but he currently favors Bounou."

What about the third goalkeeper who will accompany Bounou and Mohamedi in the national team’s list? Several goalkeepers from the Moroccan championship, notably Mehdi Benabid, goalkeeper of Wydad Athletic Club, and Salaheddine Chihab, goalkeeper of Maghreb de Fès, will have to fight to snatch this spot.