Egypt Overcome Benin in Extra-Time Thriller to Reach AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

Egypt secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals after a hard-fought 3-1 victory over a resilient Benin side in extra time, extending their unbeaten head-to-head record against them to five matches.

Both teams had advanced from the group stage without setting the tournament alight, and the first half reflected that, offering little in the way of memorable action. Egypt, however, started with more intent and nearly opened the scoring just eight minutes in. Omar Marmoush was sent through on goal, but his hesitation allowed Benin's goalkeeper, Marcel Dandjinou, to rush out and smother the ball.

Benin, known as the Cheetahs, were primarily focused on defensive solidity in the opening half and offered minimal attacking threat. Their only notable effort was a long-range free-kick from Junior Olaitan, which was comfortably handled by Mohamed El Shenawy. Shortly after, Egypt threatened again when a loose ball fell to Marmoush in the box, but his hurried shot lacked the power to trouble the defense and was blocked.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

Playing in their first AFCON knockout match since 2019, Benin battled tenaciously. They almost seized a surprise lead just after the hour mark when a precise pass found substitute Jodel Dossou, but El Shenawy was quick off his line to make a crucial close-range save.

The breakthrough finally came in the 69th minute, and it was a moment of brilliance for Egypt. A cutback from the byline found Marwan Attia, who unleashed a powerful first-time strike that soared into the top-left corner, sparking wild celebrations among the Egyptian supporters.

Just as it seemed Egypt had secured their passage, the Cheetahs fought back. With only seven minutes of normal time remaining, Dossou bundled the ball home from a rebound at close range, dramatically leveling the score and forcing the match into extra time.

Despite the late setback, Egypt regained their composure. Seven minutes into the extra period, they restored their lead when Attia delivered a cross that Yasser Ibrahim met with a looping header, leaving Dandjinou with no chance.

That goal appeared to break Benin's resolve, and Mohamed Salah confirmed the victory in the final minute of extra time. Finishing off a swift counter-attack with a deft outside-of-the-boot shot, he sealed Egypt's progression.

The seven-time AFCON champions, now just three wins away from their first title since 2010, will face either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals on Saturday.