AFCON 2025: Egypt Vs. Benin preview
Seven-time champions, Egypt, face off against the Cheetahs of Benin in one of two Round of 16 clashes at the Grand Stade d’Agadir.
Egypt enters the knockout phase as Group B winners, having secured seven points through victories over Zimbabwe and South Africa and a goalless draw with Angola. Conversely, Benin progressed as one of the best third-placed teams from Group D, anchored by a historic maiden open-play AFCON victory over Botswana, despite suffering defeats to Senegal and DR Congo.
The historical record between these two nations heavily favors the Pharaohs, who remain unbeaten in their four previous competitive meetings. Their first encounter in July 2004 ended in a thrilling 3–3 draw during a World Cup Qualifier, but Egypt asserted dominance in the return leg in September 2005 with a 4–1 victory. A 2008 international friendly saw the Egyptians cruise to a 5–1 win, while their most recent competitive meeting occurred during the 2010 AFCON group stage, where goals from Ahmed El Mohamady and Emad Moteab secured a 2–0 win for the eventual champions.
In the pre-match press conferences, Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan emphasized respect for his opponents, noting that Benin reached this stage on merit and possesses a clear tactical plan that he has monitored since the World Cup qualifiers. He described the match as a “decisive turning point” for his squad’s title ambitions.
His star midfielder, Emam Ashour, echoed this focus, stating that the team’s singular goal is to secure Egypt’s eighth continental crown. On the opposing side, Benin’s veteran coach Gernot Rohr acknowledged Egypt’she high-level quality but pointed to his team’s growing experience against African giants. While admitting his side are the underdogs, Rohr expressed a desire to replicate Benin’s 2019 “miracle” run where they stunned Morocco at this same stage. Defender Olivier Verdon added that the Cheetahs would need to be courageous to compete with a team of Egypt’s pedigree.
The officiating team for this high-stakes encounter will be led by Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho, supported by his compatriots Boris Marlaise Ditsoga and Amos Abeigne Ndong as assistant referees. The fourth official is Messie Jessie Oved Nkounkou Mvoutou from Congo, while the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth will be managed by Moroccan official Zakaria Brinsi, assisted by Hamza El Fariq.
Tactically, Egypt is expected to return to its strongest XI after resting key players in their final group match. Mohamed El Shenawy will start in goal behind a back four of Mohamed Hany, Ramy Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, and Mohamed Hamdy. The midfield trio of Hamdy Fathy, Marwan Attia, and Emam Ashour (or Zizo) will look to control the tempo, providing the platform for an elite frontline featuring Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Trezeguet. Benin is likely to deploy a compact 4-1-4-1 formation to stifle space, with Marcel Dandjinou in goal and a defensive line led by Olivier Verdon.
Imourane Hassane will sit in front of the defense, while Junior Olaitan and Aiyegun Tosin provide width to support lone striker Steve Mounié on the counter-attack.
