Egypt reach AFCON quarter-finals after extra-time thriller with Benin

BAFANA Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) campaign ended on Sunday night with a 2–1 defeat to Cameroon in the round of 16, leaving South Africa’s supporters to watch the tournament from the sidelines. 

While the five-time champions proved too strong for Hugo Broos’ side, the competition continues to deliver drama elsewhere on the continent.

Egypt survive scare to progress

Egypt advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Afcon after a 3-1 extra-time victory against Benin in Agadir on Monday evening. The record seven-time champions were pushed to the limit, as Benin matched them with energy and resilience, forcing the match into additional time.

Marwan Attia’s 30-yard strike gave Egypt the lead in the 69th minute, but Benin equalised late through Jodel Dossou, taking the game into extra time. Egypt’s breakthrough came from defender Yasser Ibrahim, who scored his first international goal in the 97th minute with a looping header from a cross by Attia. Mohamed Salah then sealed the win in the 124th minute, finishing from 25 metres after a breakaway run.

Moments of drama and near misses

The match had several near goals before extra time. Omar Marmoush was denied in a one-on-one by Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou, and Rami Rabia saw an effort blocked off the line early in the second half. Egypt’s composure finally prevailed, blending patience with attacking flair to overcome a spirited Benin side.

Egypt will face either defending champions Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Agadir. Their performance highlighted a mix of clinical finishing from the stars and steady defensive work, illustrating why they remain one of Africa’s most formidable teams.