Bono's Historic Moment: Morocco's AFCON Dream Shines as Africa's Best GK Crown Goes to Yassine Bono
20 November 2025
Overview
Morocco's Yassine Bono, the goalkeeper of Al Hilal, believes his country has entered historic moments in recent years, following his Africa's Best Goalkeeper award at the CAF Africa Awards held last night in Rabat, the capital.
He won the prize over his compatriot Monir El-Mahmdi, goalkeeper of Renaissance de Berkan, and South Africa's Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi Sundowns.
Bono said in his speech after receiving the award: "I thank everyone who supported us, and I thank Idris Kamini and Essam El-Hadary who handed me the trophy."
In an interview with Kooora after his second career trophy, Bono said: "We are truly living historic moments for Moroccan football, youth categories, achieving wonderful paths in World Cups; we have the lion's share of individual awards, and I am grateful to everyone who voted for me, and I dedicate this trophy to all the players, my teammates with the national team and within the club because it is the product of their collaboration and my assistance."
The goalkeeper adds: "The individual awards are nice, but the true measure is the Africa Cup of Nations and the dream of our people."
Looking Ahead to AFCON
The Atlas Lions emphasize that while personal honors matter, the ultimate goal remains winning the Africa Cup of Nations on Moroccan soil. The team vows to fight to keep AFCON in Morocco, with full respect for opponents and appreciation for all who will challenge for the title.
Morocco will host the AFCON from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, across six cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Tangier, and Agadir.
The Atlas Lions begin their campaign in Group A, facing Comoros, Mali, and Zambia on December 21, 26, and 29 respectively.
Hakimi on the Same Path
Ashraf Hakimi, PSG star and Africa’s Best Player 2025, said: "I am very proud to win this award, and I thank all the officials in my country, the football federation, the Moroccan national team, and my family, as well as the fitness coach helping me recover from a serious injury."
"This award is not only mine but for all Moroccan kids and Africa’s dreamers who strive to succeed in football."
He added: "But the most important thing is Morocco lifting the Africa Cup of Nations on our turf."
Hakimi concluded: "Our date is AFCON; we will win the title and celebrate together."
The 26-year-old is racing against time to be ready for AFCON after a strong ankle injury sustained in a Champions League clash between Bayern Munich and a opponent, with Bayern ultimately winning 2-1 at the Parc des Princes; Diaz’s red card added drama to the night.
Hakimi appeared visibly affected by the injury during the CAF awards ceremony in Rabat, as he received Africa’s Best Player award on a scooter, his left foot not touching the ground.
Coaching Award Controversy
Amid the celebrations, many Moroccans felt that Mohamed Wahbi, the Morocco Under-20 coach, deserved Best Coach after leading the youth side to a World Cup title. The prize went to Cape Verde’s coach Bubista.
Discussions also grew about including Osman Amama in the Atlas Lions squad for AFCON, following his recognitions as Africa’s Best Young Player and Best Player at the Youth World Cup.
Our calendar now pivots to AFCON: may the home soil bring home the glory—and a few extra days of celebratory kebabs and couscous.
Punchline time: If football had a mood ring, Morocco would be flashing emerald—and yes, the color does match the trophies in the dream board. Punchline two: the only thing heavier than the trophy cabinet would be the collective joy if Atlas Lions clinch AFCON on home turf. And if not, at least the stadiums have excellent acoustics for the victory chants that will inevitably echo through Rabat and beyond.
