RABAT-(MaraviPost)-Egypt booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after edging past a stubborn Benin side 3–1 following extra time in a dramatic Round of 16 encounter.

The Pharaohs were made to work hard for the victory as the match ended 1–1 after regulation time, forcing an additional 30 minutes to separate the two sides.

Egypt opened the scoring through midfielder Marwan Attia, who struck first to give his side a deserved lead after a period of sustained pressure.

Benin, however, refused to back down and were rewarded for their resilience when Jodel Dossou found the equaliser, silencing Egyptian celebrations and taking the match to extra time.

The equalising goal injected new belief into the Benin camp, as the Cheetahs defended bravely and threatened on the counterattack.

As extra time began, Egypt raised their intensity and regained the lead through defender Yasser Ibrahim, who struck early to put the Pharaohs back in control.

The goal shifted momentum firmly in Egypt’s favour, with Benin struggling to cope with the increased tempo and physical demands of extra time.

Egypt continued to dominate possession and territory, patiently waiting for an opportunity to put the game beyond reach.

That decisive moment arrived late in extra time when captain Mohamed Salah produced a clinical finish to make it 3–1 and effectively seal the contest.

Salah’s goal capped off a strong performance and underlined his importance to the Egyptian side in crucial tournament moments.

Despite the loss, Benin earned plaudits for their disciplined display and determination, having pushed one of Africa’s most successful teams to the limit.

The victory keeps Egypt’s hopes of lifting another AFCON title alive as they now turn their focus to the quarter-finals.