Egypt will resume their pursuit of a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title when they lock horns with Benin in the Round of 16 at the 2025 finals in Morocco.
The knockout tie is scheduled for Monday, January 5, at the Grande Stade d’Agadir, with kick-off at 17:00 local time, as the Pharaohs look to convert a solid group-stage campaign into a long-awaited return to the latter stages of the tournament.
Match preview
Having topped Group B with seven points, Egypt arrive at the knockout phase unbeaten after victories over Zimbabwe and South Africa were followed by a draw against Angola, a match in which head coach Hossam Hassan made wholesale changes to his starting lineup.
Mo Salah and Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The Pharaohs’ group-stage progression was built on control rather than fluency, as Egypt rotated extensively and utilised 26 players across their three matches, highlighting both squad depth and an ongoing search for attacking rhythm.
Despite their status as the most successful nation in AFCON history, Egypt’s recent record at the Round of 16 stage has been mixed, having exited at this point in both 2019 and 2023, while their last appearance at this stage ended in penalty heartbreak against DR Congo.
Nevertheless, Egypt remain unbeaten in open play in 13 consecutive AFCON matches, with their last defeat during regulation time coming in the opening game of the 2021 tournament.
The Pharaoh’s captain Salah has scored 2 goals in 2 matches in AFCON 2025. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Standing opposite them are Benin, who are competing in the knockout stages for only the second time, having reached this phase in successive tournaments after failing to do so in their first three AFCON appearances.
The Cheetahs progressed from the group stage despite an inconsistent campaign, recording their first-ever open-play win at the finals against Botswana before suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Senegal in their final group match.
That loss exposed Benin’s attacking limitations, with the West Africans having scored just once at the current tournament and failing to find the net in three of their last four AFCON matches.
Gernot Rohr made history for the West African nation when the won their first ever AFCON match. Photo Credit: Fotonugget
Historically, this fixture has favoured Egypt, who are unbeaten in four previous meetings with Benin, winning three and drawing once, including a 2-0 victory in their only prior AFCON encounter at the 2010 finals.
While Egypt have found goals consistently in this matchup, Benin have also scored in three of the four meetings, suggesting the potential for moments of threat despite the underdog status of the Cheetahs.
Benin will however, draw confidence from their dramatic Round of 16 victory over Morocco on penalties in 2019, proving that they are capable of unsettling North African opposition when the stakes are highest.
Team News
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan may revert to a back four after employing a five-man defence in the latter stages of the group phase, as the Pharaohs seek greater balance between solidity and attacking penetration.
Mohamed Salah, who was rested against Angola, is expected to return to the starting lineup alongside Omar Marmoush with the duo having accounted for all of Egypt’s goals at the tournament so far.
Photo Credit: Imago
Mohamed Hany is available again after serving a one-match suspension and is expected to slot straight back into the defensive line.
There is, however, some concern over Mohanad Lasheen, who was forced off in the second half of the Angola match and will be assessed ahead of kick-off.
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Benin, meanwhile, could be without Sessi D’Almeida due to injury, while Abdoul Rachid Moumini is suspended after accumulating yellow cards.
Benin Republic. Photo Credit: Getty Images
With goals in short supply, Benin will once again look to Steve Mounie to provide a focal point in attack, supported by Junior Olaitan and Aiyegun Tosin, both of whom were influential during the qualification campaign.
Egypt Possible lineups
El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Hamdi; Attia, Fathy, Zizo; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet
Benin possible lineups
Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; Imourane, Attidjikou; Tosin, Dodo, Olaitan; Mounie
Egypt’s experience, defensive discipline and attacking quality should prove decisive against a Benin side that has struggled for goals throughout the tournament.
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While the Cheetahs have previously defied expectations at this stage, the Pharaohs’ control in knockout football makes them strong favourites to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
PREDICTION: Egypt 2-0 Benin
