Agadir, Morocco – The Egyptian national football team advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating Benin 3-1 in extra time on Monday. The Round of 16 match, held at the Grand Stadium in Agadir, saw Egypt overcome a late equalizer to secure their place in the next stage of the tournament. This AFCON victory marks a significant step forward for Egypt’s campaign to claim their eighth continental title.
The game initially ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, requiring an additional 30 minutes to determine a winner. Marwan Attia opened the scoring for Egypt in the 69th minute, but Benin responded with a goal from Jodel Dossou in the 83rd minute, forcing the extra time period. Egypt ultimately prevailed with goals from Yasser Ibrahim and a late strike from star player Mohamed Salah.
Egypt’s Road Continues at AFCON
This quarterfinal appearance continues Egypt’s strong presence in the AFCON tournament, a competition they have historically dominated. Egypt has won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times, most recently in 2008. However, they have faced challenges in recent years, with their last major title coming over a decade ago.
The match against Benin was a closely contested affair, particularly after the equalizer. Benin, competing in the tournament as one of the underdogs, demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline throughout the game. Their ability to withstand Egypt’s initial pressure and capitalize on their opportunity to level the score highlighted their competitive spirit.
Key Moments of the Match
Attia’s goal came during a period of sustained Egyptian pressure and offered immediate hope of qualification. Benin’s response, however, shifted the momentum and created a tense atmosphere as the game neared its conclusion. The goals in extra time, particularly Salah’s, demonstrated Egypt’s superior fitness and ability to perform under pressure.
Mohamed Salah’s performance has been a focal point throughout the tournament. The Liverpool forward, currently considered one of the best players in the world, consistently contributes to Egypt’s attacking threat. His late goal solidified the win, showcasing his importance to the national team’s ambitions.
The Egyptian team showed tactical flexibility adjusting to Benin’s counter-attacking style. Coach Rui Vitória implemented a strategy focused on controlling possession and exploiting openings in Benin’s defense. This approach proved effective in the long run, allowing Egypt to wear down their opponents and eventually secure the victory.
The progress of other teams in the tournament also impacts Egypt’s potential path to the final. The winner of Tuesday’s match between Burkina Faso and Cote d’Ivoire will be Egypt’s next opponent in the quarter-finals. Predictions suggest a challenging encounter regardless of which team advances.
Several other notable teams continue to compete in AFCON, including Nigeria and Senegal, presenting potential hurdles for Egypt later in the tournament. The competition has been marked by a number of surprising results, adding an element of unpredictability to the knockout stages. CAF’s official website provides updated standings and match information.
Looking ahead, Egypt will be looking to maintain their momentum and improve their performance. Careful analysis of their next opponent—either Burkina Faso or Cote d’Ivoire—will be crucial. The next phase of the tournament presents a new set of challenges, and Egypt will need to demonstrate both tactical prowess and mental fortitude to succeed in their pursuit of a record-extending eighth AFCON title. The quarterfinal match is expected to take place within the next week, with the exact date and time to be confirmed by tournament organizers.
The overall level of play at this year’s tournament has been widely praised, with several teams demonstrating exciting attacking football. BBC Sport has comprehensive coverage of the Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament’s success will likely contribute to increased investment in African football infrastructure and development programs.
The outcome of the quarterfinals will significantly shape the narrative of the remainder of the championship. Fans and analysts alike are keenly observing the performance of key players and the tactical approaches employed by different teams. Continued monitoring of team news and injury reports will be essential for accurate predictions.
Furthermore, the 2026 AFCON is serving as an important proving ground for emerging African football talent. Several young players have already made a significant impact in the tournament and are attracting attention from European clubs. Goal.com’s AFCON page offers updates on player performances and transfer rumors.
