International
Spider-Man Bounou Dazzles to Knock Out Manchester City in Club World Cup Thriller

Orlando, July 1, 2025 — Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced an unforgettable performance to inspire Al Hilal to a dramatic 4–3 extra-time victory over defending Champions League winners Manchester City in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup. The 34-year-old shot-stopper recorded 10 saves—the most by any goalkeeper in a single match at this year’s tournament—before even earning a post-match invitation from Erling Haaland himself.
City appeared set for an easy passage when Bernardo Silva curled home after just nine minutes, but from then on it became “The Bounou Show™.” Every time City breached Al Hilal’s back line, Bounou was there—flying through the air, stretching impossibly to claw away goalbound shots and keep his side level into extra time.
The veteran custodian’s tally of 10 saves included several of breathtaking quality, most notably a one-on-one stop from Savinho that seemed destined to restore City’s lead. “Like a wall. Like a monster. NOT HUMAN,” wrote transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, reacting to Bounou’s haul of 10 stops on social media.
His heroics resonated even with City’s hierarchy. After the final whistle, Erling Haaland approached Bounou to offer his congratulations—sparking rumors that the Norwegian was lobbying for the goalkeeper to join Manchester City. “Come join us!” the gesture seemed to say, though Haaland later downplayed transfer talk.
Pep Guardiola, left shell-shocked on the touchline, could only applaud the Moroccan’s brilliance. “Bounou made incredible saves. Nothing else to say,” admitted the City manager in his post-match comments.
Bounou’s display not only extinguished City’s hopes of Club World Cup glory but also reaffirmed his status as one of football’s elite keepers, years after starring for Sevilla in the UEFA Europa League and Morocco at the 2022 World Cup. With Al Hilal now through to the quarterfinals against Fluminense, the “Spider-Man” goalkeeper will aim to carry this form deep into the tournament.
International
🇲🇦 Six Moroccan Players Featured in 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Quarter-Finals

July 4, 2025 – Moroccan football continues to rise on the global stage, with six standout players competing in the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Representing elite clubs including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Al Hilal, and Bayern Munich, these Moroccan internationals and prospects reflect the depth of talent fueling Morocco’s golden generation.
🇪🇸 Real Madrid
- Brahim Díaz – A dynamic attacking midfielder, Díaz has become a key figure at Real Madrid. Since committing to the Moroccan national team in 2024, he’s delivered standout performances in La Liga and on the international stage. His vision, dribbling, and ability to create chances make him a major threat in the final third.
- Youssef Lekhedim – A rising defensive talent in Real Madrid’s squad, Lekhedim represents the new wave of Moroccan youth making its way through elite European academies. His inclusion in the tournament squad signals both Real Madrid’s faith in his development and Morocco’s future in defense.
🇫🇷 Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
- Achraf Hakimi – Widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in the world, Hakimi leads PSG’s defense with pace, composure, and attacking flair. A standout in both the Champions League and early Club World Cup matches, Hakimi was named to the tournament’s Best XI.
🇸🇦 Al Hilal
- Yassine Bounou – Morocco’s legendary goalkeeper, now starring for Al Hilal, made headlines after a heroic 10-save performance that knocked out Manchester City. Bounou’s leadership and big-match presence earned him a spot in the Club World Cup Best XI.
- Abderrazak Hamdallah – The powerful striker, brought in on a short-term transfer, has added much-needed firepower to Al Hilal’s attack. Known for his finishing and aerial threat, Hamdallah is key to the Saudi club’s semifinal ambitions.
🇩🇪 Bayern Munich
- Adam Aznou – A promising young left-back with excellent technique and speed, Aznou is part of Bayern Munich’s first-team setup and has already debuted for Morocco’s senior national team. His role in this tournament marks a significant step in his rising career.
🌍 Morocco’s Football Power on Display
These six Moroccan players aren’t just representing—they’re dominating headlines at the Club World Cup. From veterans like Hakimi and Bounou to rising stars like Aznou and Lekhedim, Morocco’s football reputation continues to surge at both club and international levels.
Their performances are further proof that Morocco is no longer just a participant in global football—it is now a serious contributor to its elite class.
🏆 Quarter-Final Fixtures Featuring Moroccan Players
- Al Hilal vs. Fluminense – Bounou and Hamdallah aim to carry the Saudi giants into the semifinals.
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund – Featuring Brahim Díaz and Youssef Lekhedim.
PSG vs. Bayern Munich – Achraf Hakimi faces Adam Aznou in a battle of speed and technique.
International
Liberia Backs Morocco’s Sovereignty Over Western Sahara, Declares FM Nyanti

Rabat, July 4, 2025 – Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, reaffirmed her country’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara during a joint press conference following a meeting today with her Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita.
✍️ Key Highlights
- Strong Support for Territorial Integrity
“Morocco’s territorial integrity is a matter of principle for Liberia,” Nyanti declared, asserting that the Sahara region is an inseparable part of the Kingdom . Liberia’s full endorsement extends into its upcoming term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2026–27. - Backing the Autonomy Plan
She described Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the only “credible, serious and realistic solution” to the Western Sahara conflict and pledged continued support from Liberia’s delegation at the UN .
🌐 Diplomatic Significance
- UN Security Council Influence
Liberia’s forthcoming role on the UN Security Council elevates its diplomatic influence. Nyanti confirmed that the country will actively advocate Morocco’s stance during its term. - Positive Momentum under King Mohammed VI
Commending Morocco’s efforts and global outreach, Nyanti praised King Mohammed VI’s leadership for turning international attention toward the autonomy plan.
Minister Bourita, underscoring the value of Liberia’s stance, noted that this reinforcement of unity has strengthened bilateral relations between the two nations.
International
Launch of Women’s AFCON in Morocco: Excitement and Controversy Ahead

Rabat, July 4, 2025 – The long‑awaited 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is finally set to kick off in Morocco on July 5, after an unprecedented 19‑month delay. The nation, hosting for the second straight time, will welcome 12 teams across five Moroccan cities—Rabat, Casablanca, Mohammedia, Oujda, and Berkane—culminating in a thrilling final scheduled for July 26 at Rabat’s Olympic Stadium.
🎉 Hosts Set the Stage
Morocco will open the tournament in Rabat, facing Zambia in Group A. As co‑hosts and runners‑up in the previous edition, the Atlas Lionesses enter under a renewed spotlight. Former Spain coach Jorge Vilda, who led Spain to the 2023 Women’s World Cup title, now guides the Moroccan side with high expectations for a home‑grown triumph.
🌟 Top Contenders
Defending champions South Africa—clinching their first WAFCON in Morocco in 2022—return to defend the title amid internal unrest, including coaching contract delays and player salary disputes. Nigeria’s powerhouse Super Falcons aim to maintain dominance, while Zambia’s Copper Queens, buoyed by stars Barbara Banda and Racheal Kundananji, are poised to make a major impact.
⚠️ Off‑Field Turbulence
The tournament enters the field overshadowed by governance and scheduling challenges. CAF’s decision to delay the competition by over a year—prompted by scheduling overlaps with the Paris Olympics—has drawn sharp criticism from multiple federations, accusing African football’s governing body of creating uncertainty and disrupting team momentum.
Furthermore, several teams have raised complaints regarding payment issues. South Africa has been preparing without a finalized coaching contract, while players from Zambia and Nigeria have reportedly not received promised bonuses. These controversies threaten to dampen spirits ahead of kick‑off .
🏗️ Infrastructure & Legacy
Morocco, known for its top‑tier stadiums and event organization, has once again invested in world‑class facilities. The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat and venues in Casablanca and Berkane have undergone upgrades to provide optimal conditions for athletes and fans alike. Morocco’s repeated hosting duties underscore its commitment to advancing African women’s football—both in capacity and visibility.
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