On an exciting football night on Moroccan soil, the Egyptian national football team succeeded in securing its place with merit and deservingness in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, after its difficult and exciting victory over its counterpart, the Benin national team, with a score of 3-1, in the match that brought them together within the competitions of the round of 16.
A dramatic scenario and crucial objectives
The match was far from easy for the Pharaohs, characterized by intense competition and physical challenges. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation time, with midfielder Marwan Attia breaking the deadlock in the 69th minute, igniting the enthusiasm of the Egyptian fans in attendance. However, Benin, nicknamed "The Squirrels," refused to give up and managed to equalize in the dying moments through Jodel Dossou in the 83rd minute, forcing the match into extra time.
As their physical condition began to decline, the Pharaohs' fighting spirit shone through. In the first period of extra time, specifically in the 97th minute, the solid defender Yasser Ibrahim rose above everyone to score a perfectly placed header, restoring Egypt's lead. As the match drew to a close, the team's captain and Liverpool star, Mohamed Salah, made his usual mark, scoring the third goal in the 120th minute, delivering the final blow and confirming his country's qualification.
The Quest for the Eighth Star
This victory reinforces the ambitions of Egyptian fans to reclaim the continental title that has been absent from the Egyptian Football Association's trophy cabinet since 2010. This qualification carries significant implications, as it confirms the ability of the Egyptian national team, the record holder for the most wins in the tournament (7 titles), to handle complex knockout matches, come back from behind, and manage physical exertion over 120 minutes, which is a positive indicator for the advanced stages of the tournament being held in Morocco.
A fiery confrontation is expected
Having overcome Benin, the coaching staff and players now turn their attention to the next challenge. Egypt is scheduled to face the winner of the highly anticipated quarter-final match between Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. Whether the opponent is the "Stallions" of Burkina Faso or the "Elephants" of Ivory Coast, the upcoming encounter will be like an early final, demanding the highest level of mental and technical preparation to continue their journey towards the continental title.
