Egypt struggled as they faced Benin in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in a tight clash on January 5, 2025, at the Stade Adrar Stadium.

The Pharaohs began the game with full force, attacking their opponents from all fronts in a bid to take an early lead and ease the pressure.

However, their strategy did not materialiSe, as Benin’s resilient defense proved difficult to penetrate.

The first half ended 0-0 with limited chances for both teams.

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Benin showed glimpses of their quality, launching dangerous attacks in the early stages of the second half, but they failed to find the back of the net.

In the 69th minute, Egypt finally found the breakthrough when Marwan Attia’s strike beat the goalkeeper to break the deadlock.

The North African side continued pressing for a second goal, but their attempts were unsuccessful.

But Egypt relaxed heading into the 80th minute, and they were punished in the 83rd when Jodel Dossou leveled the game, sending the match into extra time.

The Pharaohs eventually found the breakthrough in extra time when Yasser Ibrahim netted the second to boost their qualification chances.

Mohamed Salah netted the third goal late in the extra-time with his trademark strike to seal a 3-1 victory and book their ticket to the quarter-final stage of the ongoing continental tournament.

SB/AE

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