Salah Strike Sends Egypt into AFCON Quarter-Finals

Egypt booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after scoring twice in extra time to edge past Benin in a tense last-16 match in Marrakesh.

Clear chances were few and far between, with both sides cancelling each other out for long periods. Egypt struggled to break down a disciplined Benin defence, while Mohamed Salah remained quiet for much of the game.

After a goalless first half, Egypt finally took the lead in the 69th minute. Midfielder Marwan Attia struck a fine shot from the edge of the penalty area, finding the top corner to put the Pharaohs ahead.

Benin, who had offered little in attack, levelled the score late on. A cross from Junior Olaitan took a heavy deflection, and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy could only push the ball back into play. Jodel Dossou reacted quickest to score the equaliser with seven minutes remaining.

With the match going into extra time, both teams continued to battle without creating many clear openings. The breakthrough came from a set piece as Yasser Ibrahim powered a looping effort past Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou to restore Egypt’s lead.

Deep into added time, Mohamed Salah sealed the win. The forward broke clear and curled a superb shot past Dandjinou from outside the box, scoring his third goal of the tournament and keeping Egypt’s hopes alive.

The defeat ends Benin’s campaign, as they failed to repeat their run to the quarter-finals in 2019. Egypt will now face either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in the last eight, with the match scheduled for Saturday in Agadir.

Salah, who is still chasing his first AFCON title with Egypt, has now scored three goals at the tournament. His late strike ensured the Pharaohs moved one step closer to a possible eighth continental crown.