Mohamed Salah once again proved decisive as Egypt battled past Benin with a 3–1 extra-time victory to book their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
The round-of-16 clash remained goalless at halftime before Egypt finally broke the deadlock through Mostafa Attia, who unleashed a stunning 25-metre strike into the top corner after a slick passing move involving Salah and Mohamed Hany.
Benin responded with resilience, drawing level 13 minutes later to force the match into extra time and raise hopes of a historic upset.
Egypt, however, regained control seven minutes into the additional period when centre-back Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to head home a looping effort from a cleverly worked short corner, again involving Attia.
As Benin pushed men forward in search of another equaliser, the Pharaohs struck the decisive blow in dramatic fashion. Salah picked up the ball inside his own half, surged forward and coolly chipped it over the advancing goalkeeper, sealing the win with virtually the last kick of the game.
The result brings Benin’s AFCON 2025 campaign to an end at the round-of-16 stage, while seven-time champions Egypt advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of Tuesday’s clash between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.
By Noble Atsu