On paper, the duel looked unbalanced. On one side, Egypt, 35e in the ranking of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), holder of the record for coronations in the African Cup of Nations (CAN) and first selection to have qualified for the eighth of this 2025 edition. On the other, Benin, 92e in the FIFA rankings, which finished 3e of its group and is only experiencing its second final phase in the continental tournament, after that of 2019.
Like Morocco, host country against Tanzania the day before (1-0), the Pharaohs were stuck for a long time, Monday January 5, against a supposedly weaker opponent, who compensated with constant commitment. And we had to wait more than 120 minutes to see them validate their ticket for the quarter-finals (3-1, after extra time).
After a contested first period with few chances, the Egyptians took the reins of the match thanks to Marwan Attia (70e1-0). But Jodel Dossou – right winger for US Pays du Valois, in the fifth French division – took advantage of a poor recovery from goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy to revive the Cheépards’ hopes of a feat (83e1-1), snatching the extension. A header from Yasser Ibrahim, at the start of the extra thirty minutes (97e2-1), then a goal, against, from the captain of the Pharaons, Mohamed Salah, in the final seconds, sealed the outcome of the game (120e + 4, 3-1).
The Liverpool star striker’s dream of lifting the trophy for the first time, after two lost finals, remains alive. In the next round, Egypt will face the winner of the face-to-face between Ivory Coast, defending champion, and Burkina Faso, opposed Tuesday at 8 p.m.
Osimhen and Lookman carry Nigeria
In the other round of 16 this Monday, Nigeria easily dismissed Mozambique (4-0). Under the heavy rain which fell in Fez, as throughout the country, Ademola Lookman, best African player in 2024, validated Nigeria’s domination in the 20e minute by opening the scoring on a service from Akor Adams.
Five minutes later, Victor Osimhen, best African player 2023, doubled the lead after a pass from Lookman (2-0, 25e). The duo struck again at the start of the second half during a number initiated by Lookman in the left side area and concluded by Osimhen at close range (3-0, 48e). Adams, the Sevilla FC striker, sealed the score with a heavy strike after a new serve from Lookman (4-0, 76e).
Algeria, another team with three victories in groups, and the DRC, which deprived them of the 2026 World Cup during the African play-offs, are warned: the Super Eagles, whom the winner of these two teams will face, are now serious contenders for the final victory.
