AFCON 2025: Egypt edge Benin 3-1 after extra time to reach quarter-finals
Egypt booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory over Benin Republic in their round-of-16 clash on Monday night in Agadir.
The seven-time African champions were pushed to their limits by a resilient Benin side before goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mohamed Salah in extra time finally settled the contest.
The result keeps Egypt on course for a record-extending eighth AFCON title.
Pharaohs dominate early, struggle to convert
Egypt controlled large spells of the opening half and created the clearer chances but were repeatedly denied by Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.
Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush combined well in the early stages, with Marmoush failing to capitalise after being played through by Salah, while another effort from the Manchester City forward was cleared off the line in the 21st minute.
Benin were forced into an early change when Aiyegun Tosin was replaced by Jodel Dossou midway through the first half, but they remained organised and frustrated Egypt’s attack.
By the break, Hossam Hassan’s side had dominated possession without finding a breakthrough.
Late drama sends tie into extra time
Egypt eventually took the lead in the 69th minute when Marwan Ateya produced a composed finish from distance following a flowing team move.
However, Benin responded late on, capitalising on a loose ball after a save from Mohamed El Shenawy, with Dossou scoring the rebound in the 83rd minute to make it 1-1.
Salah had a golden chance to win the game in normal time but was again denied by Dandjinou, forcing the contest into extra time.
Ibrahim and Salah seal progression
The decisive moment came seven minutes into extra time when defender Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to power home a header from a well-worked corner, restoring Egypt’s lead.
Benin pushed forward in search of another equaliser, leaving space at the back, and were punished late on when Salah finally found the net to seal the victory.
The win sends Egypt into the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the round-of-16 tie between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso on Saturday, January 10, as the Pharaohs continue their bid for continental dominance.
