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

Egypt have become the fifth nation to book a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, showing their trademark resilience in a hard-fought victory over Benin Republic on Monday night.

The Round of 16 clash was tightly contested, with both sides cancelling each other out in a tense first half that ended goalless. Benin defended bravely, frustrating the seven-time African champions and limiting clear-cut chances.

Egypt eventually broke the deadlock in the second half through Marwan Attia, whose superb strike gave the Pharaohs a deserved lead. However, Benin refused to fold and were rewarded late on when Jodel Dossou fired home an equaliser, forcing the match into extra time.

With pressure mounting, Egypt’s experience and depth came to the fore. Goals from Yasser Ibrahim and talisman Mohamed Salah in extra time sealed a 3–1 victory and confirmed Egypt’s 21st appearance in the AFCON quarter-finals, a record that underlines their dominance on the continental stage.

The Pharaohs will now face either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in the next round, as the competition continues to heat up.

So far, Morocco, Mali, Cameroon, Senegal and Egypt have secured their places in the last eight, setting up a mouth-watering climax to the tournament in Morocco.

Opinion: Experience Still Wins at AFCON

Once again, Egypt proved why they remain one of Africa’s most feared tournament teams. While Benin showed courage, discipline and belief, AFCON football is often decided by composure in defining moments — and Egypt had that in abundance.

Mohamed Salah’s influence goes beyond goals. His presence alone lifts the team, instills fear in opponents and brings calm when chaos threatens. This match was a reminder that while flair excites, experience and mental strength often decide knockout football.

As the quarter-finals take shape, Egypt’s ability to survive tough tests could make them one of the most dangerous sides left in the competition. They may not always dominate games, but when it matters most, the Pharaohs know how to find a way.