Crucial Test in Egypt’s Continental Journey
Egypt’s national football team face a new challenge in their quest for a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations title when they take on Benin on Monday in the Round of 16 of the 2025 AFCON, currently being held in Morocco.
The Pharaohs are aiming to maintain their winning momentum in the tournament and secure a place in the quarter-finals, joining Senegal, Mali and host nation Morocco, who have already booked their spots.
Historical Edge Favors the Pharaohs
Egypt enter the encounter with a clear historical advantage over Benin. The two sides have met four times previously, with Egypt winning three matches and drawing one. Benin have never beaten the Pharaohs.
However, the Beninese side are determined to make history by claiming their first-ever victory over Egypt and extending their run in the continental competition by reaching the quarter-finals.
Benin Recall 2019 Shock Upset
Benin will also be looking to draw inspiration from their memorable run at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, when they stunned Morocco in the Round of 16, winning 4–1 on penalties, before exiting in the quarter-finals following a narrow 1–0 defeat to Senegal.
Hossam Hassan Set to Restore First-Choice Line-up
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan is expected to field his strongest starting XI against Benin, after resting several key players in the previous match against Angola.
The Pharaohs will rely heavily on their Premier League stars, Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Omar Marmoush of Manchester City, as they look to progress further and strengthen their status as the most successful team in AFCON history.
Final Preparations and Limited Absences
Egypt completed their final training session on Sunday evening at the “Taghazout” Stadium in Agadir, with all players taking part except Osama Faisal and Mohanad Lasheen, who are sidelined through injury.
Lasheen is undergoing rehabilitation after suffering bruised ribs during the Angola match, while Faisal is also on an individual recovery program after sustaining a foot injury.
Hossam Hassan: We Respect Benin and Are Ready
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Hossam Hassan stressed his full respect for Benin, noting that any team reaching this stage deserves recognition.
“We have studied Benin well and respect them, but we are Egypt and we are ready to win,” Hassan said. “Our main objective is to win the title, and we approach every match as if it were a final.”
He also praised Mohamed Salah, describing him as one of the world’s best players in recent years and a vital asset to the national team.
Trezeguet: Our Goal Is to Make Egyptians Happy
Egypt winger Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” confirmed the team’s full readiness for the clash, emphasizing the players’ respect for all opponents.
“We came to Morocco with only one goal: to win the title and make the Egyptian people happy,” Trezeguet said. He added that creating chances is a positive sign and that the team is working hard to improve finishing and attacking efficiency.
Benin Coach: Beating Egypt Would Be a Major Achievement
Benin head coach Gernot Rohr acknowledged the difficulty of facing Egypt, describing the Pharaohs as the most decorated team in AFCON history.
“Playing against Egypt will be extremely tough. Honestly, we are not the favourites,” Rohr said. “Defeating the Pharaohs would be a huge reward for my players.” He also noted that Egypt benefited from a longer rest period after rotating their squad against Angola.
Match Officials and Kick-off Time
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed a Gabonese refereeing team to officiate the match, led by referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho, assisted by Boris Marlies Ditsoga and Amos Abieni Nedong, with Jesse Ofoe as fourth official. Moroccan referee Hamza El-Fariq will oversee VAR, assisted by Zakaria Brinisi.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 6:00 pm Cairo time and will be broadcast live on beIN Sports, the exclusive broadcaster of CAF competitions across the Middle East and North Africa.
Egypt Face Angola in Group Stage Finale of AFCON 2025 in Morocco
