AFCON 2025
The Pharaohs of Egypt have secured their spot in the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations with a deserved victory over the Cheetahs of Benin.
Egypt, the seven-time champions of the competition were pushed to the limit by Gernot Rohr’s men in front of a sizeable crowd in Agadir on Monday evening.
Benin Republic started the tie in a low block as expected but showed flashes of intent in transition as they look to catch the Pharaohs off guard.
However, after a goalless first half, Al Ahly midfielder, Marwan Attia gave Egypt the lead with a sublime strike from range on the 69th minute.
Afterwards, the Cheetahs piled pressure on the Egyptians as they surged forward to grab an equalizer.
Eventually, Jodel Dossou, off the bench pounced on a rebound in the box and smashed the ball into the back of the net seven minutes from time.
The Cheetahs successfully dragged the tie into extra time looking to recreate their AFCON 2019 feat where they stunned Morocco in the second round.
However, the seven-time champions stepped up and retook the lead in the 97th minute courtesy of Yasser Ibrahim’s header from Marwan Attia’s cross.
Mohammed Salah sealed the win with the last kick of the tie to equal his coach’s AFCON record of 10 goals as it ended 3-1.
