By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, January 05 2025 - Egypt secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals after a dramatic 3-1 victory over Benin in extra time in their Round of 16 clash at the Stade d’Agadir on Monday. The seven-time continental champions were taken to the limit by a resolute Benin side before finding the decisive goal in the opening period of extra time.
The match remained tightly contested throughout the regulation 90 minutes, with both teams struggling to find a breakthrough. It took until the 69th minute for the deadlock to be broken, as Marwan Attia unleashed a stunning curling strike from outside the box that beat the goalkeeper and put Egypt ahead. The goal was the product of sustained pressure from the Pharaohs, who had controlled much of the possession but found the Benin defence difficult to penetrate until that moment.
Benin refused to bow out quietly, however, and Jodel Dossou restored parity in the 83rd minute. A wickedly deflected cross confused the Egyptian penalty area, allowing Dossou to tap in from close range and breathe new life into the underdogs’ hopes. With the score level at 1-1, the match headed into extra time as the knockout drama intensified.
Just seven minutes into the additional period, Egypt found the breakthrough they needed. Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to meet a corner and powered a header into the top corner to make it 2-1 and send the Egyptian fans into celebration. In the last minute of Extra time, Mohamed Salah scored a spectacular goal after a counterattack, making the score 3-1 and out of reach for determined Benin.
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The goal hit the last nail on Benin’s coffin, sealing Egypt’s progression into the quarter-finals. The win sees Egypt continue their pursuit of an eighth Africa Cup of Nations title, having already lifted the trophy more times than any other nation. In the quarter-finals, they could face one of several other successful teams from the Round of 16, with potential opponents including Ivory Coast, Mali, Senegal, or Tunisia, depending on the outcomes of the other knockout fixtures.
For Benin, despite the loss, their performance will be seen as a positive sign of growth, pushing a heavyweight nation all the way before being edged out in extra time. Egypt will now prepare for their next challenge with confidence after overcoming a gritty Benin side in a compelling knockout battle.
