Salah fires Egypt into AFCON quarter-finals
Captain’s late extra-time strike secures hard-fought last-16 win over resilient Benin in Agadir thriller
AGADIR, Morocco (MNTV) — Egypt captain Mohamed Salah struck deep into extra time to secure a dramatic 3–1 victory over Benin on Monday, sending the seven-time champions into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
After a tense and physical contest, Marwan Attia broke the deadlock midway through the second half with a precise strike from outside the penalty area, only for underdogs Benin to respond through substitute Jodel Dossou, who capitalized on a loose ball in the 83rd minute.
Egypt regained control early in extra time when Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to head home following a short-corner delivery, giving the Pharaohs renewed momentum in a match that had swung repeatedly.
With Benin pushing forward in search of another equalizer, Salah sealed the result in the 124th minute, breaking clear and firing past goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou from distance to register his 10th career AFCON goal.
The victory keeps Egypt in Agadir, where they will face either defending champions Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in Saturday’s quarter-final. Salah, twice an AFCON runner-up, continues his pursuit of a first continental winners’ medal.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan praised his side’s resilience, describing Benin as “tough opponents,” while Benin coach Gernot Rohr said his team showed fighting spirit despite missing key striker Steve Mounie.
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