Egypt Advances to AFCON 2025 Quarterfinals with Dramatic Win Over Benin. Agadir, Morocco — January 5, 2026 Lead Paragraph: Mohamed Salah’s dramatic last-minute goal in extra time secured Egypt’s 3-1 victory over Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 last 16, propelling the Pharaohs into the quarterfinals.
The match, held at Stade d’Agadir in Morocco, showcased a thrilling encounter that saw Egypt dominating play yet struggling to break through until the 69th minute.
The match began with Egypt exerting pressure, but it was not until the 69th minute that Marwan Attia finally broke the deadlock, scoring the opening goal. Benin, however, responded with determination and equalized in the 83rd minute through Jodel Dossou, who capitalized on a rebound. Despite Egypt’s continued offensive efforts, the scoreline remained 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
The turning point came in the seventh minute of extra time when Yasser Ibrahim looped a header into the top left corner, putting Egypt back in the lead. Salah then sealed the victory with his third goal of the tournament, shooting past Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou from outside the penalty box after a counterattack. Egypt’s victory was hard-fought, especially considering the injury to left back Mohamed Hamdy, who went off on a stretcher with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.
Despite the setback, Egypt’s resilience was evident as they pushed forward and secured their spot in the quarterfinals.
The Pharaohs will now face either Burkina Faso or defending champion Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals, with the match set for Saturday. Benin’s solitary win in the group stage, a 1-0 victory over Botswana, was enough to reach the last 16.
Egypt’s next challenge comes as they aim for a record-extending eighth AFCON title.
Further details are expected as the tournament progresses.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
