Agadir, 06 January (H.S.): Egypt’s captain Mohamed Salah struck the decisive goal in the 124th minute, securing a thrilling 3-1 extra-time victory over Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 last-16 match. Despite a determined effort from Benin, Egypt’s experience and quality ultimately proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter.

Marwan Atia opened the scoring for Egypt during regular time, but Jodel Dossou equalized for Benin before the end of regulation.

In extra time, Yasser Ibrahim restored Egypt’s lead with a header, and Salah sealed the win with a spectacular long-range strike, marking his 10th goal in AFCON history.Seven-time champions Egypt will now face the winner between defending champions Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals, with the match scheduled to be played in Agadir on Saturday.

After the match, Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan stated, “I had said earlier that there are no easy teams here. Benin gave us a tough fight. Egypt is a big team, and I wanted to make our fans proud.

Mohamed Hamdi’s injury is concerning, but the players played for him.”Benin’s coach Gernot Rohr commented, “It was a great battle, with passion and football spirit. The level of Egypt’s players is different. The absence of our star striker Steve Mounie hurt us, especially in aerial duels.”

Match Highlights

Egypt made 10 changes from their previous group match, retaining only Ibrahim Adel. Early on, Omar Marmoush had a chance to put Egypt ahead, but Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou made a brilliant save.

Mohamed Hamdi suffered an injury in the first half, dealing a blow to Egypt’s campaign. The second half saw an open contest, with Atia scoring with a precise long-range shot. Benin refused to give up, and Dossou leveled the score in the 83rd minute.

In extra time, Atia’s cross found Yasser Ibrahim, who headed in to put Egypt ahead, before Salah’s late strike sealed the victory.

Salah, a two-time runner-up in AFCON, remains in pursuit of his first title, and this win has strengthened Egypt’s position as they move closer to their target.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar