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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Tom Coleman

Morocco goalkeeper disappears after anthem as BBC World Cup commentators take 38 minutes to notice

Fans watching Morocco's shock win over Belgium on Sunday were left confused after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou appeared to disappear moments before kick-off.

The North Africans, having played out a 0-0 draw with Croatia last time out, appeared to initially line up with the 31-year-old La Liga keeper, who took part in his side's warm-up and even sang the national anthem before then disappearing and being replaced.

At the last minute, reserve goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi was handed a rare start between the sticks for the Moroccans, but the move clearly went under the radar.

READ MORE: Wales honour Gary Speed in poignant World Cup moment on anniversary of his death

BBC commentator Guy Mowbray was one of those to be caught out, and was forced to offer an apology after only noticing the change 38 minutes into the match.

He said: "One thing I should have noticed earlier on, I apologise for, is a change in goal for Morocco at the start. Remember at the start when we saw the goalkeeper running on? Having seen his number, it's number 12, El Kajoui, in goal. Munir El Kajoui.

"I can see his number now. Looks similar to Bounou to me. We're trying to find out what happened to him.

"'Think he might have been taken ill just before the match and that's why there was that little delay when we were waiting for the Morocco team photo and then the shaking hands with Eden Hazard. He's keeping a clean sheet. Mine is ruined in every sense."

It was then revealed at half-time that the late change had been made after Sevilla goalkeeper Bounou had informed head coach Walid Regragui he was suffering from an eye issue.

An official statement by the Morocco FA announced the squad selection change saying: "Munir El Kajoui replaces Yassine Bounou for this match against Belgium."

Morocco went on to win the game 2-0, with goals from Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal enough to secure a shock victory.

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