Egypt arrive with doubts despite reaching the knockout stage

If someone had said that Egypt finished the group stage with fewer goals than Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Gabon, the assumption would have been another early African Cup of Nations collapse. Instead, the Pharaohs are right where they so often are: in the knockout rounds, preparing for a Round of 16 clash against Benin, live on beIN SPORTS this Monday.

Despite being considered heavy favorites, Egypt’s biggest concern so far has been a lack of goals. With Premier League attacking power such as Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah in the lineup, expectations were high. The reality has been far more modest: just three goals in the group stage, one of them coming from the penalty spot. That inefficiency has raised questions about whether Egypt can go deep in the tournament without finding a sharper edge in front of goal.

Pressure on Salah and the attack

Finding the net has become the main focus for the Egyptian camp. Forward Trezeguet acknowledged the issue ahead of the knockout match, stressing that there is no margin for error once the tournament reaches this phase. Missed chances, which could be survived in the group stage, can be fatal in a single-elimination setting.

Scoring against Benin is even more important considering what could come next. A quarterfinal showdown against either South Africa or Cameroon looms just around the corner, raising the stakes for Egypt to regain confidence and momentum now rather than later. Much of that responsibility will once again fall on Mohamed Salah, whose influence goes beyond goals but whose finishing could define Egypt’s tournament.

Benin dream of another upset

Benin have not exactly been prolific either. The Cheetahs reached the Round of 16 thanks to a single goal — the decisive strike against Botswana that secured qualification. Head coach Gernot Rohr knows his team will need more attacking output if they are to challenge Egypt, but he is also hoping for better playing conditions.

Heavy rain has been a recurring theme at AFCON 2025, affecting the quality of play. Rohr admitted that everyone prefers good pitches and fewer weather complications, and early forecasts suggest sunshine for Monday’s match. While the conditions may improve, predicting goals remains far more uncertain.

A knockout night with everything on the line

With clearer weather expected and a place in the quarterfinals at stake, Egypt vs. Benin promises tension, pressure, and opportunity. Egypt’s pedigree suggests progression, but their lack of goals leaves the door slightly open for Benin to dream.

Match details
Monday, January 5
10:50 AM ET / 7:50 AM PT
Egypt vs. Benin – LIVE on beIN SPORTS