Egypt Advances to Quarter-Finals of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Egypt has advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after securing a hard-fought victory against Benin, thanks to two goals in extra time, including one from star player Mohamed Salah.
The match in Marrakesh featured limited clear-cut chances, with Salah, who is pursuing his first Afcon title with the national team, remaining largely uninvolved until his decisive strike in the 124th minute.
After a goalless first half, Egypt's Marwan Attia broke the deadlock with a superb shot from the edge of the penalty area, finding the top corner with just over 20 minutes remaining in regulation time.
Benin struggled to create opportunities, and it seemed that Attia's goal might be sufficient for victory. However, a deflected cross from Junior Olaitan caught Egypt's goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy off guard, allowing Jodel Dossou to equalize with just seven minutes left on the clock.
As both teams battled in extra time, a set piece ultimately proved decisive. Yasser Ibrahim's powerful effort from near the penalty spot looped over the outstretched arms of Benin's goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.
Salah then capped off the victory in the final minute, sprinting clear and expertly curling the ball past Dandjinou with the outside of his left foot from well outside the box.
This defeat means that Benin will not be able to replicate their successful run to the quarter-finals in 2019. Meanwhile, Egypt will face either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in the next round, with their match scheduled for Saturday at 19:00 GMT in Agadir.