Extra-time drama as Egypt sink Benin to land in AFCON quarter-finals

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Seven-time champions Egypt booked their place in the quater-finals of the 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations after thrashing Benin 3–1 after extra time in a gripping round-of-16 encounter played on Monday.

The tightly contested tie, which finished 1–1 after regulation time, was ultimately decided by Egypt’s superior composure and depth in extra time, with Mohamed Salah delivering the decisive moment deep into stoppage time.

Egypt took the lead in the 69th minute when Marwan Attia unleashed a thunderous strike from the edge of the area to beat Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.

Benin, however, showed resilience and were rewarded in the 83rd minute as Jodel Dossou capitalised on a defensive rebound to level the score at 1–1.

With neither side able to find a winner in normal time despite several chances, the match went into extra time.

Egypt regained the advantage in the 97th minute when defender Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to head home Marwan Attia’s cross from close range, making it 2–1.

Benin pushed forward in search of another equaliser and came close through Mohamed Tijani, whose powerful effort was bravely blocked by the Egyptian defence. As the West Africans committed men forward, Egypt struck decisively on the counter.

In the 120th minute, Zizo surged forward on a lightning break before slipping the ball into Salah’s path. The Liverpool forward calmly slotted home from mid-range to seal a 3–1 victory and end Benin’s resistance.

The match was characterised by high intensity, physical duels and several bookings, with both sides forced into injury-related substitutions. Egypt dominated possession for long spells, while Benin relied on swift transitions and set-pieces to threaten.