Egypt Outlasts Benin to Reach AFCON 2025 Quarterfinals
Egypt endured a tough test, responded when it mattered most, and found the goal that keeps their tournament hopes alive.
A tense night in the Round of 16
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Egypt booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after edging past a resilient Benin side 3-1 in a dramatic Round of 16 clash.
The Pharaohs dominated possession and territory for long stretches, but Benin’s discipline and defensive organization turned the match into a test of patience that stretched deep into stoppage time.
Benin resistance and a familiar frustration
The opening hour told a familiar story for Egypt. Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush found little room to operate as Benin’s back line stayed compact and aggressive, while goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou delivered an outstanding performance.
Dandjinou denied clear chances from Marmoush, Ramy Rabia, and even Salah himself, keeping Benin level and frustrating a crowd expecting an early breakthrough.
Marwan Attia breaks the deadlock
The pressure finally paid off in the 70th minute. A delivery into the box found Marwan Attia, who struck cleanly to send the Egyptian fans into celebration and give Egypt a deserved lead.
At that point, it seemed the Pharaohs had done enough to see the game out—but the drama was only beginning.
Late chaos and Benin’s response
Against the run of play, Benin found an equalizer in the 83rd minute. A moment of hesitation from Mohamed El Shenawy proved costly, allowing Jodel Dossou to pounce and slide the ball home, stunning the Egyptian bench.
With extra time looming, tension spread across the stadium as Benin sensed a historic upset.
Ibrahim delivers when it matters most
Deep into stoppage time, Egypt finally found their lifeline from a set piece. Off a well-worked routine, Yasser Ibrahim rose highest in the box and powered home a header that proved unstoppable, giving the Pharaohs a crucial 2–1 lead.
Then, in the 120th minute, with legs heavy and spaces opening up, Mohamed Salah put the contest to bed on the counter. The Liverpool star finished clinically to score his third goal of the tournament, sealing the win and confirming a hard-fought, but fully deserved, place in the next round.o the next round.
Quarterfinals await
With the victory, Egypt advances to the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the clash between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.
It was not a flawless performance, but in knockout football, experience and timing mattered most—and once again, the Pharaohs found a way.
