Al-Hilal Saudi Club received a huge morale and technical boost with the return of their Moroccan international goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, to the squad, in preparation for the upcoming match against Al-Qadisiyah in the Saudi Professional League. This return comes after an absence of several weeks due to an injury he sustained while playing for his national team in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast.
Bono was seen with the team's delegation that traveled to Dammam, confirming his full readiness to participate after successfully completing his treatment and rehabilitation program and receiving the green light from the club's medical staff. The absence of the outstanding goalkeeper had posed a challenge for coach Jorge Jesus, who was forced to rely on backup goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais, who performed well. However, Bono's return represents the restoration of one of the most important pillars of the "Leader's" squad.
Background to Bono's transfer and its immediate impact
Yassine Bounou joined Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023 from Spanish club Sevilla, in a deal considered one of the most prominent in the Saudi Professional League. His transfer came after a distinguished career in Europe, marked by individual and team achievements, and a historic performance with the Moroccan national team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he led the Atlas Lions to an unprecedented semi-final appearance. Since his arrival, Bounou has proven his high quality and become the linchpin of Al-Hilal's defense, contributing directly to the team's string of positive results.
The importance of returning at a crucial time
Bono's return is of paramount importance both domestically and continentally. Locally, Al Hilal aims to maintain its dominance at the top of the Saudi Professional League and widen the gap with its closest rivals. The Moroccan goalkeeper's return provides the defense with added confidence and valuable experience in handling crucial matches, especially as the season nears its conclusion. Continentally, Bono's presence is vital to Al Hilal's ambitions to seriously contend for the AFC Champions League title, a tournament that demands world-class players in every position.
The return of a goalkeeper of Yassine Bounou’s caliber not only strengthens the team’s technical side, but also raises the morale of the players and fans, who are looking forward to seeing their star return to protect the team’s goal and contribute to achieving more titles and accomplishments in this exceptional season.
