Key Takeaways:
- Egypt secured a 3-1 win over Benin after extra time on Monday to reach the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations
- Yasser Ibrahim scored the pivotal header in the 97th minute, with Mohamed Salah sealing the result in stoppage time
- Benin equalised through Jodel Dossou in the 83rd minute to force extra time but ultimately exited the competition
Match Analysis: Tense Quarter-Final Battle in Agadir
Egypt advanced to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Benin after extra time at the Grand Stade d’Agadir on Monday. In a Round of 16 tie that remained competitive throughout, Benin tested the record champions and pushed the encounter beyond ninety minutes.
Benin, known as the Cheetahs, produced an organised and resolute first-half display. With Aloko, Olaitan, and Dossou impressing on the counter-attack and goalkeeper Dandjinou making crucial stops, the underdogs kept Egypt at bay. Despite boasting Mohamed Salah in attack, Egypt struggled to create clear openings before the interval and were left frustrated with a goalless first half.
Mo Salah seals Egypt's 3-1 win over Benin in extra time.
The Pharaohs move on to the AFCON quarterfinals 🇪🇬👑 pic.twitter.com/wtWDbKvxYf
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 5, 2026
Key Moments and Extra-Time Drama
After the break, Egypt gradually increased the tempo. In the 69th minute, Marwan Attia broke the deadlock with a powerful shot from the edge of the area, capitalising on a move started by Salah down the right. Benin refused to yield and levelled in the 83rd minute, when Jodel Dossou exploited a defensive lapse to send the match into extra time.
The momentum swung Egypt’s way in the additional period. Just seven minutes into extra time, Yasser Ibrahim rose above the defence to head in a looping cross from the right, restoring the Pharaohs’ lead. Benin searched for another equaliser by committing bodies forward, only to leave themselves vulnerable at the back.
With Benin pushing forward in the dying stages, Mohamed Salah capitalised on a counter-attack in the fourth minute of stoppage time (120+4’), slotting home Egypt’s third to secure progression to the next round.
| Team | Score | Goal Scorers |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | 3 | M. Attia (69’), Y. Ibrahim (97’), M. Salah (120+4’) |
| Benin | 1 | J. Dossou (83’) |
Post-Match Reactions
Yasser Ibrahim, named TotalEnergies Man of the Match, reflected: “It was not an easy match. Benin were a good team. They scored during a difficult period for us, but we managed to regain control. We knew Benin had strong qualities. I think we dropped a bit in the last ten minutes and they took advantage of that. But the team responded well and now we are already thinking about the next match.”
Benin’s head coach, Gernot Rohr, said: “What we saw was a match that was a fight, a real battle, while still playing football. Two teams engaged in a tough contest. I saw a good football match. When you look at the Egyptian individual players, we don’t have the same level. Especially since our best striker, Steve Mounié, was missing. I regret his absence, because in a match like this he would have helped us a lot, particularly in aerial play. But as head coach, I am proud of my players. I take away their attitude tonight, their solidarity and fighting spirit. That is very positive for the future of the Cheetahs.”
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan commented: “It was a very difficult match. Before the game, I said there are no easy teams, and Benin were a tough opponent. We work to analyse every opponent in order to adapt our game. Egypt is a great football team and I want to make my people happy. We are sad about the injury to Mohamed Hamdy, which seems serious. His teammates played for him. We are mentally prepared to play either 90 minutes or extra time. I trust my team and my staff, especially the medical staff, to ensure good recovery before the next match.”
Looking Ahead
Egypt, demonstrating composure in the key moments, will await the winner of the tie between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Benin depart the tournament with their heads held high after a spirited performance against one of the favourites in the competition.
