Egypt secured a place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic 3–1 extra-time victory over Benin Republic in Monday’s round-of-16 clash.
Both teams started cautiously and cancelled each other out for much of the first half. Chances were limited as neither side found a way through before the break.
The match opened up after half-time. Egypt finally broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Marwan Attia smashed a stunning effort into the top corner after a neat pass from Mohamed Hany.
Benin refused to fold and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Their pressure paid off in the 83rd minute when Jodel Dossou reacted quickest inside the box to steer the ball home from close range.
The goal stunned Egypt and forced the match into extra time. Momentum briefly swung Benin’s way as the Pharaohs struggled to regain control.
Egypt found relief in the 97th minute. Yasser Ibrahim rose above the defence to head in from a corner delivered by Attia, restoring his side’s lead.
Benin chased another equaliser but left gaps at the back. Egypt exploited one of those moments deep into stoppage time.
In the 120+4th minute, Mohamed Salah finished a swift counter-attack with a powerful left-footed strike from distance, putting the result beyond doubt.
