Egypt vs Benin Match Recap - Jan 5, 2026

Egypt's Late Surge Secures 3-1 Victory Over Benin in AFCON Round of 16

Egypt's resilience shines through as they overcome Benin with a late flurry, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical discipline. The match at Stade Adrar saw Egypt advance to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, capitalizing on their experience and star power, particularly from Mohamed Salah, who delivered a decisive performance.

Egypt's recent form has been a rollercoaster, but today they found their rhythm. After a lackluster draw against Angola, where they managed only two shots on goal, the team needed to rediscover their attacking identity. The victory over Benin marked a significant turnaround, with Egypt dominating possession (57%) and showcasing their ability to create chances, leading in total shots (7 to 6) and shots on goal (5 to 3). This match highlighted their capacity to convert pressure into goals when it mattered most.

Salah's influence was palpable throughout the match. After scoring the opener against South Africa in the group stage, he continued to be a focal point for Egypt, drawing defenders and creating space for his teammates. His late goal in stoppage time not only sealed the victory but also underscored his importance as a clutch performer in high-stakes situations. With this goal, Salah reaffirmed his status as one of the tournament's standout players.

The midfield battle was crucial, and Egypt emerged victorious. The midfield trio of Marwan Attia, Ibrahim Adel, and Mahmoud Trézéguet effectively controlled the tempo, completing 399 accurate passes at an impressive 86% accuracy. This control allowed Egypt to dictate play and limit Benin's opportunities to counterattack. In contrast, Benin's midfield struggled to maintain possession, reflected in their lower pass accuracy of 77%.

Benin's defensive frailties were exposed as the match progressed. Despite a commendable effort early on, they failed to contain Egypt's attacking waves. The defensive line, while initially organized, began to show cracks under pressure, particularly after conceding the first goal. Their inability to adapt to Egypt's tactical shifts ultimately led to their downfall.

Dossou's equalizer for Benin provided a brief glimmer of hope. Scoring in the 83rd minute, he momentarily shifted momentum back towards his side. However, this was short-lived as Egypt responded with renewed vigor, quickly regaining control and scoring twice more in extra time. This resilience speaks volumes about Egypt's character and determination to advance in the tournament.

The contrasting trajectories of both teams in recent matches set the stage for this encounter. Egypt, despite some inconsistent performances, had shown glimpses of their potential with victories over Zimbabwe and Nigeria, while Benin entered the match with a mixed bag of results, including a heavy loss to Senegal. This context added weight to Egypt's performance today, as they needed to prove they could compete at a higher level.

The tactical setup favored Egypt's strengths. Utilizing a 3-5-2 formation allowed them to exploit the flanks effectively while maintaining defensive solidity. This formation enabled them to transition quickly from defense to attack, catching Benin off guard multiple times. The strategic deployment of players like Omar Marmoush, who provided width and pace, was instrumental in stretching the opposition defense.

Benin's approach lacked the necessary bite against a seasoned opponent. Their 4-4-1-1 formation aimed for stability but ultimately fell short against Egypt's dynamic play. While they managed some promising counterattacks, they struggled to convert these into meaningful chances. The absence of a consistent attacking threat left them vulnerable as they chased the game.

Looking ahead, Egypt's victory sets them up for potential success in the tournament. With key players like Salah finding form at the right time, they will be a formidable opponent for any team in the quarter-finals. Their ability to perform under pressure will be crucial as they aim for AFCON glory once again.

Benin must regroup after this defeat. Despite showing flashes of potential, they need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and find a more cohesive attacking strategy if they hope to compete at this level consistently. The loss serves as a harsh reminder of the gap between being competitive and being able to capitalize on opportunities.

This match encapsulated the essence of knockout football: resilience, strategy, and moments of brilliance. Egypt's late surge not only secured their place in the next round but also reaffirmed their status as contenders in this tournament. As they look forward, the challenge will be maintaining this momentum and building on today's performance.