Egypt booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after edging past Benin 3-1 in extra time, with Mohamed Salah sealing the win late on in a tense last-16 encounter in Marrakesh.
In a match short on clear-cut chances but high on drama, the Pharaohs were pushed to their limits by a stubborn Benin side before experience, composure and a moment of brilliance from their talismanic captain proved decisive.
Tight Contest Before Extra-Time Drama
Opportunities were few and far between in a cagey opening half, as both sides cancelled each other out in midfield. Salah, still chasing a first Afcon title with Egypt, was largely isolated and struggled to impose himself during normal time.
After the break, Egypt gradually began to assert more control, and their pressure finally paid off in the 69th minute. Midfielder Marwan Attia broke the deadlock with a superb strike from the edge of the penalty area, curling the ball into the top corner beyond the reach of Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.
With Benin offering little going forward, it appeared that goal might be enough to see Egypt through. However, the Cheetahs struck back late to force extra time.
Benin Force Extra Time Against the Odds
Against the run of play, Benin equalised with just seven minutes of normal time remaining. A hopeful cross from Junior Olaitan took a heavy deflection, wrong-footing goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, who could only claw the ball off his line. Jodel Dossou reacted quickest to smash home the rebound and stun the Egyptian supporters.
The goal sent the match into extra time, where fatigue began to show but neither side could find a breakthrough in open play.
Set-Piece Proves Decisive Before Salah’s Late Magic
The deadlock was eventually broken through a set piece, seven minutes into extra time. From a short corner, defender Yasser Ibrahim showed remarkable flexibility and awareness to divert a looping effort past Dandjinou from close range, restoring Egypt’s lead at 2-1.
As Benin pushed forward in search of another equaliser, spaces opened up at the back — and Salah made them pay.
In the 124th minute, the Liverpool forward raced clear from inside his own half and produced a moment of trademark quality, curling a stunning finish with the outside of his left boot from distance to put the result beyond doubt.
Salah’s Afcon Numbers Improve as Confidence Grows
Salah’s late strike was his third goal of Afcon 2025, already his best return at a single edition of the tournament. It also took his total to 10 Afcon goals, keeping alive his long-standing ambition of lifting the continental trophy.
At 33, Salah remains one of the biggest names in African football, yet the Afcon title has so far eluded him. Having lost two finals with Egypt and endured a turbulent club season at Liverpool — including being dropped by manager Arne Slot — the tournament represents a crucial opportunity for redemption.
While he has yet to fully dominate matches in Morocco, coach Hossam Hassan will be encouraged by Salah’s growing influence at decisive moments.
Egypt Overcome Injuries and Resistance
Egypt’s progress did not come without setbacks. Omar Marmoush missed an early one-on-one chance, while full-back Yohan Roche cleared another effort off the line. Both teams were also forced into substitutions after injuries to Benin striker Aiyegun Tosin and Egypt defender Mohamed Hamdy, who was stretchered off following a heavy collision.
The Pharaohs also lost Trezeguet during the second half, but their experience ultimately told against a Benin side that never looked fully confident of completing an upset.
What’s Next for Egypt at Afcon 2025?
The win ends Benin’s hopes of repeating their surprise run to the quarter-finals at the 2019 tournament. For Egypt, attention now turns to a heavyweight last-eight clash against either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso, to be played in Agadir on Saturday (19:00 GMT).
With momentum building and Salah’s confidence growing, the Pharaohs will believe their dream of lifting the Afcon trophy in Rabat on 18 January remains firmly alive.
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