More Yassine Bono heroics send Morocco into FIFA World Cup last 16

With his country’s FIFA World Cup hopes in his hands, Yassine Bono stood tall.

Again.

Just as he did four years ago, the Morocco goalkeeper proved the hero once more in the knockout rounds of football’s showpiece event.

As nerves shredded all around him in Monterrey, Bono remained resolute, shifting to his right to repel the Netherlands’ fifth and final penalty in a tense shootout. All that was left, then, was for Ismael Saibari to covert to send the 2022 semi-finalists through to the last 16 of the 2026 edition.

The Al Hilal No.1 was back on the big stage. And, boy, had he delivered.

“We went to penalties and had Yassine Bouno,” Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi said afterwards. “So, we were confident we would win.”

Well, there was precedent.

In Qatar back in 2022, Bono saved spot-kicks from Sergio Busquets and Carlos Soler for Morocco to see off Spain at the first knockout stage.

Now, in the Round of 32 at this expanded World Cup, he thwarted Dutchman Crysencio Summerville, left Saibari free to stroke home, and Morocco’s bid to better that historic run of four years ago rumbled on.

Bono could do little to prevent Cody Gakpo’s opener for the Netherlands on 72 minutes at Estadio BBVA, and he watched from the other end of the pitch as teammate Issa Diop scored a dramatic leveller in stoppage-time to push the encounter beyond the 90.

With neither side adding to the 1-1 scoreline in extra-time, it was left to penalties. Step forward Bono.

The 2023-24 Roshn Saudi League Golden Glove, the current CAF Goalkeeper of the Year no less, knew what it took - and he came through in style for the North Africans.

Sealing a 3-2 shootout win, Morocco marched on. And, with RSL stalwart Bono at their back, they have the World Cup trophy in their sights.

“We have a great goalkeeper who makes us feel safe, comfortable and reassured,” declared Atlas Lions manager Mohamed Ouahbi. “And his name is Yassine Bouno.”