Morocco changes goalkeepers before beginning of match against Belgium. See details

Morocco's World Cup match against Belgium on Sunday left many perplexed as starting goalie Yassine Bounou mysteriously vanished shortly before kick-off.

Bounou was named to the starting line-up and stood with his teammates for the singing of the national anthem before engaging in a protracted debate with Mexican referee Cesar Ramos. El Kajoui emerged for a team photo before the start and replaced Bounou as the game at Al Thumama Stadium began.

What happened to first-choice goalkeeper Yassine Bounou?

There was no apparent explanation for the late substitution, with the Morocco Football Federation just stating: "Munir El Kajoui comes in for Yassine Bounou in this game against Belgium." Bounou was seen bent down with his hands resting on his knees in images from the stadium.




Despite this, the enigma was then heightened. El Kajouri, the substitute goalie, was on FIFA's official line-up list more than an hour before kick-off.

FAQs:

1. What effect has the confusion had?
   The change brought chaos for broadcasters, particularly the BBC. Guy Mowbray was commentating on the game and stated that Bounou had remained between the posts until the 38th minute before being compelled to make an apology.
2. What was the outcome of the game?
   Morocco appeared unaffected by the alteration, as they kept Martinez's men at bay for the entirety of the first half, limiting the Europeans to only one shot on target. Morocco might have taken the lead shortly before halftime when Hakim Ziyech's free-kick struck the back of the net, but VAR ruled it out owing to a slight offside. Morocco eventually won the match 2-0.