Egypt Finally Break Benin’s Resistance in a Tense CAN 2025 Knockout Battle
If you were watching this Egypt versus Benin clash at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, you probably felt the tension building minute by minute. This was a Round of 16 match in Agadir that looked straightforward on paper, but on the pitch, it turned into a real test of patience and nerve for the Egyptian side.
From the opening whistle, Egypt were expected to take control. They dominated possession, moved the ball well, and tried to impose their rhythm. Mohamed Salah was involved early, drifting to the right, demanding the ball, and trying to unlock the Beninese defense. But despite their status as favorites, clear chances were not coming easily. Benin stayed compact, disciplined, and brave, refusing to be overawed by the occasion or by the seven-time champions standing across from them.
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As the first half went on, Egypt had moments. Marmoush and Salah both came close, but the final touch was missing, or the Benin goalkeeper, Marcel Dandjinou, was perfectly positioned. At the break, the score remained 0-0, and it felt like the pressure was slowly shifting. Benin could take confidence from the fact that they were still standing, still organized, and still dangerous on the counter.
The second half followed a similar pattern, but the intensity increased. Egypt pushed higher, corners were won, and the tempo was raised. Dandjinou was called into action again, most notably on a corner where he produced a stunning save, with his defense scrambling to clear the ball off the line. At the other end, Benin nearly shocked everyone when Dossou broke through and fired a low shot that forced Mohamed El-Shenawy into a sharp save at his near post.
Then came the moment that changed everything. In the 70th minute, after sustained pressure, the breakthrough finally arrived. The move was started on the right, where Salah played a key role. The ball was worked into the box, and Mohamed Hany pulled it back intelligently. Waiting at the edge of the area was Marwan Attia, who struck it first time. The shot flew into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. It was Attia’s first goal for Egypt, and it could not have come at a bigger moment.
From there, the dynamic shifted. Egypt looked relieved, while Benin were forced to open up and take risks. The Guépards tried to respond, but Egypt’s experience began to show. With calm game management and solid defending, the Pharaons protected their lead as the clock ticked down.
In the end, it was a narrow 1-0 win, but it told an important story. Egypt were made to work hard, Benin earned respect for their resistance, and one moment of quality was enough to decide a knockout match where every detail mattered.
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