Seven-time champions Egypt advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday, January 5, 2026, after a grueling 3-1 victory over a resilient Benin side. In a match that tested the Pharaohs' patience and endurance at the Grand Stade d'Agadir, two goals in extra time finally broke the deadlock to keep Mohamed Salah’s dream of a maiden continental title alive. Tactical Gridlock and Late Normal Time Drama The first half was a cagey affair, as Egypt struggled to penetrate Benin's disciplined defensive block. Despite dominating possession, clear-cut chances were rare until the 69th minute, when midfielder Marwan Attia unleashed a stunning 30-yard strike into the top corner to give Egypt a hard-earned lead. Benin, known as the "Cheetahs," refused to fold. They took advantage of a rare defensive lapse by Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy in the 83rd minute. A deflected cross was parried into the path of Jodel Dossou, who tapped home the equalizer to stun the favorites and force the match into an additional 30 minutes.
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Extra-Time Resolution Egypt regained their composure in the first period of extra time. In the 97th minute, defender Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to meet a well-worked short corner cross from Attia, looping a header past Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou. With Benin pushing forward in a desperate search for another equalizer, Egypt exploited the space on the counter-attack. In the 124th minute, captain Mohamed Salah sealed the result with his 10th career AFCON goal, racing clear to curl a signature left-footed shot into the net with the final kick of the game.Egypt remains in Agadir for their quarter-final clash scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026. They will face the winner of the Round of 16 tie between the defending champions, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso.
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