AFCON 2025: Al Ahly Duo Shine As Egypt Overcome Benin To Reach Quarterfinals

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By Sedara Philip

Al Ahly teammates Marwan Attia and Yasser Ibrahim played decisive roles as Egypt booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Benin after extra time on Monday night at the Stade Adrar in Agadir, Morocco.

Both players scored their maiden goals for the national team, inspiring the seven-time champions to victory in a tense Round of 16 encounter. Egypt had taken the lead through Attia’s stunning curling effort, before Benin forced extra time with a dramatic late equaliser. Ibrahim’s powerful header restored the Pharaohs’ advantage in extra time, while Mohamed Salah sealed the win with a last-gasp goal.

The opening half was a cagey affair, with Benin frustrating the favourites and holding them to a goalless draw. The closest chance of the half came in the 20th minute when Benin defender Olivier Verdon produced a crucial goal-line clearance after a low effort slipped past goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.

Both sides were forced into early injury changes. Egypt suffered a major setback when left-back Mohamed Hamdy picked up a knee injury and was replaced by Ahmed Fatouh just before halftime. Benin also lost Tosin Aiyegun midway through the first half, with Jodel Dossou introduced in his place.

Egypt eventually broke the deadlock in the second half through excellent teamwork down the right flank. Mohamed Hany combined neatly with Salah before delivering a low cross into the edge of the box, where Attia unleashed a sublime curling strike that left Dandjinou helpless.

Just as Egypt looked set to progress, Benin struck late to reignite the contest. In the 89th minute, sloppy passing at the back allowed Junior Olaitan to deliver a cross that deflected awkwardly. Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy managed a save but could only parry the ball into danger, where Dossou reacted quickest to score from close range.

Salah had a golden opportunity to restore Egypt’s lead late in normal time after breaking through on the right, but his effort lacked power and was comfortably saved.

With tension rising in extra time, Egypt found their breakthrough once again from a set piece. In the 97th minute, a short corner was worked to Attia, whose precise cross was met by Ibrahim. The defender’s towering header flew past Dandjinou to put the Pharaohs ahead.

As Benin pushed men forward in search of another equaliser, they were caught on the break in stoppage time. Salah raced clear of the defence and calmly slotted home to score his third goal of the tournament and his 10th career AFCON goal, sealing Egypt’s place in the last eight.

Egypt will remain in Agadir ahead of their quarterfinal clash on Saturday, where they will face the winner of Tuesday’s Round of 16 encounter between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.