CAN 2025 – Round of 16: Benin loses to Egypt as expected
Egypt had to draw on its resources to see off Benin (3-1 after extra time) this Monday in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Round of 16. Tied for a long time, the Pharaohs ultimately made the difference thanks to their experience and the efficiency of their experienced core, after a hard-fought and tightly contested match.
SUMMARY
The match begins at a measured pace. Egypt monopolizes the ball, trying to stretch the Benin block on the flanks, but runs into a well-organized defense. Benin, disciplined, closes the spaces and proceeds by rapid transitions, without really posing a threat. Despite a few opportunities for Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, the two teams go to halftime with a scoreless draw (0-0).
After the break, Egyptian pressure intensifies. The Pharaohs finally find the opening in the 69th minute: at the edge of the box, Marwan Attia unleashes a powerful shot that nestles in the top corner (1-0).
Egypt then thinks they have done the hard part, but Benin refuses to yield. More enterprising, the Leopards take advantage of a spell to level in the 83rd minute through Jodel Dossou, opportunistic in front of goal after a poorly cleared ball (1-1). The score does not change in regulation time, sending the two teams to extra time.
The extra time tilts in Egypt’s favor
In the first period of extra time, Egypt retakes the lead. On a precise cross by Marwan Attia, Yasser Ibrahim heads the ball and beats Marcel Dandjinou (97th, 2-1).
Benin then tries to react and pushes to grab the equalizer, but leaves themselves exposed to counterattacks. In the added time of the second extra period, Mohamed Salah seals the match’s fate. Through a through ball, the Liverpool forward withstands the defensive return and slots the ball past the goalkeeper (124th minute), notching his third goal of the tournament.
Egypt thus qualifies for the quarter-finals, where it will face Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso. While the Pharaohs ultimately prevailed, Benin exits the competition with reasons to be satisfied, after having held their own against one of the CAN favorites and pushing the match to extra time.
The man of the match, Marwan Attia, symbolized Egyptian solidity and perseverance, in a match where experience ultimately made the difference.
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