In a packed and electrified Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the Atlas Lions goalkeeper delivered a commanding performance, crowned by the Man of the Match award. Solid and serene throughout the encounter, Morocco stood firm against the Super Eagles before making the difference in the decisive shootout, thanks to their last line of defense.
During the penalty shootout, Bounou made his mark. After a first reassuring save, he produced a stop that was both bold and spectacular on the decisive attempt by Bruno Onyemaechi. Anticipating the strike while keeping his foot on the line as required by the rules, the Moroccan keeper sprang forward with a sharp reflex save using his right hand, forcing the Nigerian to miss and sending an entire nation into celebration.
A striking sign of his total focus, Bounou did not even immediately realize that Morocco had qualified. It was only after Youssef En-Nesyri converted the winning penalty that he understood the feat had been achieved, finally releasing the long-held emotion before being lifted in triumph by his teammates.
In the mixed zone, the 34-year-old goalkeeper showed humility worthy of his performance. “The team needed me and I was there. We prepared for this shootout, but I also had to trust my instinct and accept that a bit of luck is part of it,” he said, already turning his attention to the final.
On Sunday, against Senegal, Morocco will once again be able to rely on its experienced goalkeeper, the symbol of a team determined to end nearly half a century of waiting and claim a second continental crown. With Bounou between the posts, the Atlas Lions can believe more than ever in their destiny.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s – le7tv