Egypt booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a hard-fought 3–1 extra-time victory over Benin on Monday at the Grand Stade d’Agadir.
The Pharaohs needed extra time to see off a resilient Benin side, with two late goals, including a superb strike from captain Mohamed Salah, finally settling a tense Round of 16 encounter.
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After a goalless first half, Egypt eventually broke the deadlock just over 20 minutes from time when midfielder Marwan Attia unleashed a fine strike from the edge of the area into the top corner.
Egypt appeared on course for a narrow win, but Benin struck back seven minutes from the end. Junior Olaitan’s cross took a heavy deflection, forcing goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy into a desperate touch, and Jodel Dossou reacted quickest to turn in the loose ball.
Extra time proved equally tight, with both sides cancelling each other out until a set piece tipped the balance. Defender Yasser Ibrahim rose to meet a delivery near the penalty spot, stretching to loop the ball past Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.
Salah then sealed the win in the 124th minute, racing clear on the counter and curling a stunning effort with the outside of his left boot from long range to put the result beyond doubt.
The defeat ends Benin’s hopes of repeating their run to the quarter-finals in 2019, while Egypt, still chasing their eighth AFCON title, will now face the winner between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in the last eight. That quarter-final clash is scheduled for Saturday in Agadir.
