Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou is on the verge of becoming only the third player in Morocco’s history to reach 100 international appearances, with the milestone potentially arriving against Niger.
The 35-year-old goalkeeper is reportedly one appearance away from the landmark, having represented the Atlas Lions 99 times, according to African Football’s October 28 report.
Bounou is expected to reach the historic milestone when Morocco take on Niger in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Casablanca. He has been named in head coach Mohamed Ouahbi’s starting line-up for the encounter, placing him in a position to make his 100th appearance if the reported statistics are accurate.
Only former defender Noureddine Naybet and current captain Achraf Hakimi have recorded more international appearances for Morocco.
Naybet remains the country’s all-time appearance leader with 115 caps, while Hakimi occupies second place with 103 appearances, according to African Football.
Bounou’s achievement would represent another significant chapter in a distinguished international career that began in 2013. The Al-Hilal shot-stopper has established himself as one of Morocco’s most dependable performers, playing a crucial role in the country’s historic run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals in Qatar.
The former Sevilla goalkeeper also earned widespread recognition for his performances during that tournament, particularly his outstanding displays in Morocco’s knockout-stage victories.
With Morocco continuing their campaign in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, Bounou now has the opportunity to join an exclusive group of Moroccan football legends.
Morocco’s reported most-capped players:
1. Noureddine Naybet – 115 appearances
2. Achraf Hakimi – 103 appearances
3. Yassine Bounou – 99 appearances (one away from 100)