The Pharaohs of Egypt are through to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a 3-1 victory over Benin Republic in their round of 16 clash at Agadir on Monday, Bold Sports reports.
The seven-time continental champions were taken into extra time by the Cheetahs, but an impressive header from Yasser Ibrahim and a late goal from Salah sealed the win for Egypt, ensuring their passage into the next round.
Benin started the game in positive fashion but almost went behind in the early stages as Mohammed Salah released Marmoush who delayed his shot and eventually ran out of room before the onrushing Dandjinou got off his line to deny the Manchester City forward.
The Pharaohs came close to opening the scoring once again in the 21st minute but Marmoush’s attempt was cleared off the line in front of an open net. In the 31st minute, Benin were forced into a change as Jodel Dossou replaced Aiyegun Tosin.
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Hossam Hassan’s side continued to push for an opener in the second half with Salah and Marmoush threatening the most. In the 56th minute, Egypt had a huge chance to score but Dandjinou made a brilliant save, keeping the scoreline level.
Few minutes after the hour mark, Salah was released with a lovely ball over the top and the Liverpool star tried to chip Dandjinou, but the goalkeeper made another save to deny the experienced winger. In the 69th minute, Egypt finally found the lead with Marwan Ateya showing composure to score a stunning goal from range after a nice team move.
Undeterred by going behind, Benin Republic leveled the scoreline in the 83rd minute. El Shenawy had made a smart save after an heavy deflection but he was unable to stop Jodel Dossou from scoring the rebound, making the scores 1-1.
Salah had a gaping chance to seal the victory for Egypt in the 89th minute as he broke through and was one-on-one, but could not beat Dandjinou who made an easy save at the end to keep Benin in the game. With neither side able to find a winner in regular time, the game went into extra time.
The extra time started off in an end-to-end fashion and it was Egypt that benefited from that as Yasser Ibrahim scored with an incredible header from a well-worked corner routine, making it 2-1 seven minutes in.
Despite a late attempt from Benin to try and level the scoreline once again, the Pharaohs added another goal with Salah finally finding the back of the net, ensuring Egypt continue their journey as they aim to lift the AFCON title for a record-extending eighth time.
Egypt will now face the winner of the round of 16 clash between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals scheduled for Saturday, January 10.
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