Mohamed Salah scored deep into extra time as Egypt secured a 3-1 victory over Benin to book their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night.
The Round of 16 contest was intense and evenly balanced, with both sides showing tactical discipline in a cagey first half that produced few clear chances. Egypt dominated possession but struggled to break down a resolute Benin defence before the break.
The breakthrough arrived in the 69th minute when Mohamed Hany’s delivery found Marwan Attia, who unleashed a powerful effort from the edge of the box to put the Pharaohs ahead.
Benin responded with determination and were rewarded in the 83rd minute, as Jodel Dossou finished from close range to force the match into extra time.
Egypt regained the lead seven minutes into the first period of extra time, with Yasser Ibrahim heading home a Marwan Attia cross to restore control.
As Benin committed numbers forward in search of another equaliser, Egypt capitalised on the space left behind. Salah sealed the win with a composed finish in the dying moments, putting the result beyond doubt.
Egypt now advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Nigeria and Mozambique.
