One Goal, One Victory: Salah Secures Egypt’s Place in Quarter-Finals

Egypt booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after a hard-fought 3–1 victory over Benin in the round of 16. While the final scoreline suggests a comfortable win, the reality on the pitch was far more competitive, with both sides displaying resilience and attacking intent. After 90 minutes, the match was tied 1–1, necessitating extra time for Egypt to clinch the victory. Throughout the match, Benin, nicknamed “The Squirrels,” consistently applied intense pressure, testing Egypt’s defensive resolve.

The breakthrough for Egypt came in the 68th minute when Marwan Atiya curled a spectacular long-range shot into the net, putting the seven-time champions ahead. However, Benin responded with determination, and in the 84th minute, Jodel Dosso equalised. Despite Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawi initially saving the shot, the rebound fell to Dosso, who made no mistake from close range.

With regulation time ending 1–1, extra time saw Egypt seize control. Yasir Ibrahim’s powerful header restored the lead, and in the 123rd minute, Mohamed Salah sealed the win with a clinical finish, further cementing his legacy in African football. Salah’s goal takes his tally in this tournament to ten, making him Egypt’s third-highest goalscorer in Africa Cup history, behind Hassan El Shazly (12) and Hosam Hassan (11).

This marks Egypt’s third appearance in the quarter-finals in the last five editions of the tournament. The squad will remain in Agadir until 10 January, awaiting the winner of the Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso fixture.

Despite the eventual victory, Egypt struggled to dominate early on. Before Atiya’s goal, striker Omar Marmoush squandered two key opportunities, including a one-on-one with the goalkeeper in the opening ten minutes. A subsequent Marmoush effort, assisted by Salah, was cleared off the line by Johan Roche.

Both sides suffered injuries during the contest. Benin’s forward Tosin Ayegun was forced off, while Egypt’s Mohamed Hamdi required substitution just before halftime. Benin’s goalkeeper Danzinou also made a string of crucial saves, denying Rami Rabia’s powerful header and multiple attempts from Salah and co.

Egypt finally capitalised during extra time with two decisive goals, marking their return to the quarter-finals for the first time since finishing runners-up in Cameroon four years ago. Notably, Egypt has never been eliminated in the quarter-finals since 2002, reaching the final five times and winning three titles in that span.

Key Match Facts