Egypt Edge Benin 3-1 After Extra Time to Secure Quarter-Final Spot in AFCON 2025

The **Egyptian Football Association** is delighted to announce that the Pharaohs have advanced to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 following a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Benin in the Round of 16, played at the Grand Stade d'Agadir.

In a thrilling encounter that required extra time to produce a winner, Egypt demonstrated resilience, quality, and character to overcome a determined and well-organized Benin side. The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes before the Pharaohs pulled away in the additional 30 minutes.

**Marwan Attia** broke the deadlock in the 70th minute with a stunning curled strike from the edge of the box, capping off an excellent team move involving captain **Mohamed Salah** and right-back **Mohamed Hany**. Benin's spirited response came in the 83rd minute when substitute **Jodel Dossou** tapped in after a deflection and spill by goalkeeper **Mohamed El Shenawy**, forcing extra time.

The breakthrough in the additional period arrived in the 97th minute, as defender **Yasser Ibrahim** rose superbly to head home from a well-worked corner routine, restoring Egypt's lead. With Benin pushing forward in search of an equalizer in the dying moments, the Pharaohs sealed the victory in dramatic fashion. In the 120+3rd minute, **Mohamed Salah** latched onto a precise pass from **Ahmed Sayed Zizo** on a swift counter-attack, calmly slotting the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper with the outside of his boot to make it 3-1 and confirm progression.

This result marks Egypt's place in the last eight, where they will face the winner of the tie between holders Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso. The seven-time champions, under the guidance of their coaching staff, continue their pursuit of an unprecedented eighth AFCON title — their first since 2010.

**Egyptian Football Association President** commented:  

"This was a true test of character against a brave Benin team that never stopped fighting. Our players showed tremendous spirit, quality, and belief to secure the victory. Mohamed Salah, Marwan Attia, Yasser Ibrahim, and the entire squad delivered when it mattered most. We now look ahead to the quarter-finals with confidence and determination."

The Pharaohs extend their gratitude to the passionate Egyptian fans in Agadir and back home, whose unwavering support fueled the team throughout this intense battle.