By

Eniola Olatunji 

 

The Pharaohs of Egypt displayed their championship pedigree on Monday night in Agadir, defeating a resilient Benin Republic side 3–1 after extra time to book a place in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

 

Benin, hoping to reach only their second-ever AFCON quarterfinal in six appearances, held their own against the seven-time champions for much of the contest. Football observers had expected Egypt to dominate early, but the Cheetahs’ discipline frustrated the Pharaohs until the 69th minute.

 

The breakthrough finally came when Mohamed Salah found Mohamed Hany, who returned the pass to Al Ahly midfielder Marwan Attia. The 27-year-old struck a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area, sending the ball through a crowd of players and into the net to give Egypt the lead.

 

Benin, however, refused to go quietly. In the 83rd minute, Jodel Oluwafemi Dossou produced a stunning equaliser from the right flank, beating Egypt’s 37-year-old goalkeeper with a spectacular strike that ignited tension inside the stadium. The scoreline remained 1–1 at the end of regulation time, forcing the match into extra time.

 

Egypt regained control in the 97th minute when Attia once again played a decisive role, delivering a precise lob that Yasser Ibrahim headed home for the Pharaohs’ second goal. As Benin pushed forward in search of another equaliser, spaces opened up, and captain Mohamed Salah sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, scoring Egypt’s third goal in the 120+4th minute.

 

Referee Pierre Atcho of Gabon brought the encounter to an end at 120+5 minutes, confirming Egypt’s passage to the last eight.

 

The Pharaohs will now face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals on January 10 in Agadir, as they continue their quest for a record-extending eighth AFCON title.

 

Benin’s journey to the knockout stage came after a lone group-stage win over Botswana, with defeats to DR Congo and Senegal. Egypt, on the other hand, advanced after victories against Zimbabwe and South Africa, along with a goalless draw against Angola.

 

Historically, Egypt have maintained dominance over Benin, winning all three previous meetings between the two sides. Egypt remain the most decorated national team in Africa, having won AFCON titles in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010.

 

Attention now shifts to the remaining Round of 16 fixtures, with Nigeria set to face Mozambique later tonight, while Algeria battle DR Congo and Ivory Coast take on Burkina Faso on Tuesday. The quarterfinals will begin on Friday, January 9, with Mali facing Senegal, followed by hosts Morocco against Cameroon later that evening.