Sawt Falasteen - Morocco's Bono 'one of best goalkeepers in the world'

Popularly known as Bono, the 34-year-old conceded only once in three group and two knockout matches -- and it took a penalty kick to beat him.

Bono guessed correctly the direction of the spot-kick from Mali's Lassine Sinayoko, but could not prevent the low, powerful shot slipping under his body and into the net.

The top-of-the-table Group A clash ended 1-1, the only time hosts Morocco have failed to win as they seek a second AFCON title 50 years after the maiden success.

"I am reluctant to single out individuals, but Bono is a key figure in our squad. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world," Morocco coach Walid Regragui told reporters during the AFCON.

Picking the ball out of the net in international matches is a rare occurence for the Canada-born shot-stopper, who plays for Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal.

From the start of the 2024 AFCON in Ivory Coast until the quarter-final victory over Cameroon last Friday, Morocco have played 29 competitive and friendly internationals.

Bono has featured in most and the Atlas Lions conceded just eight goals. It is a remarkable record given many were high-stakes World Cup or AFCON clashes.

He conceded six times in 2024, just twice in 12 matches last year, and kept clean sheets against Tanzania and Cameroon in AFCON knockout games this month.

Now the 2023 and 2025 African goalkeeper of the year is preparing for what could prove his toughest test for some time as Morocco face Nigeria before a near-70,000 crowd in Rabat.

- 'Confident' -

Nigeria are the leading AFCON scorers, bagging 14 goals in five matches. Victor Osimhen has claimed four and fellow former African player of the year Ademola Lookman three.

Completing a potent Super Eagles strike force is emerging star Akor Adams. The goal he scored against Algeria in a quarter-final in Marrakesh was his second of the campaign.

Should Morocco reach the final on Sunday, Bono would face either Egyptian strikers Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush or a host of potential attacking threats from Sadio Mane-inspired Senegal.

He has praised the Moroccan defence, including captain Achraf Hakimi from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United full-back Noussair Mazraoui, for his multiple clean sheets.

"I feel so confident with Achraf, Noussair, Nayef (Aguerd) and Adam (Masina) in front of me. Thanks also to my other teammates who retreat and help when we come under pressure," he told reporters.

"The semi-finalists have qualified on merit and all boast outstanding players. My wish is that Morocco lift the trophy on Sunday."

Born in Montreal, Bono moved with his family to Casablanca when just three. He soon fell in love with football, playing in the streets whenever possible.

Advised to become a goalkeeper because of his 1.95-metre height, he joined the famed Wydad club in the Moroccan commercial capital when only eight.

In 2010 he was promoted to the Wydad senior squad and two years later moved to Spain. He started with Atletico Madrid, then had stints at Real Zaragoza, Girona and Sevilla.

Bono established himself as an outstanding goalkeeper with Sevilla, helping them win the second-tier Europa League in 2020 and again three seasons later.

Between those triumphs came the highlight so far of his career as his brilliance helped Morocco become the first World Cup semi-finalists from Africa four years ago in Qatar.

Bono kept four clean sheets in seven matches, including against Belgium, Spain and Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal.

He once again excelled on the international stage at the new-look Club World Cup in the United States last year, helping Hilal hold Real Madrid and defeat Manchester City before a last-eight exit.

R.AbuNasser--SF-PST