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Egypt-Benin match preview
Aiming to avoid another elimination in the round of 16 African Cup of Nationsgroup B winners Egypt confront Benign at the Adrar Stadium on Monday with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Hossam Hassan’s side arrive as hot favorites after recording consecutive clean sheets in the group stage, while Benin appear in the knockout stage for only the second time in their AFCON history.
The Pharaohs beat Bafana Bafana 1-0 despite being reduced to 10 men, then played out a goalless draw against Palancas Negras in their final group match.
However, the underlying figures suggest a more nuanced picture. Egypt conceded 18 shots against South Africa and allowed 16 attempts to Angola in their final group match, figures which reflected sustained pressure in both matches.
Context is key, however. Against South Africa, Egypt spent the entire second half trailing, with Hugo Broos’ side saving 17 of their 18 shots after the break. Meanwhile, the goalless draw against Angola saw Hassan rotate his team heavily, favoring freshness ahead of the knockout stages.
Even with these reservations, Monday’s encounter represents a real test for the seven-time champions, who are looking to avoid another premature elimination after their eliminations in the round of 16 of the CAN 2019 at home and at the previous tournament in Ivory Coast.
Benin enters the competition with little pressure, having already exceeded expectations by placing among the top four third-placed teams. Gernot Rohr’s side emerged from a tough group comprising Senegal and DR Congo, with qualification assured thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory over Botswana.
This victory, sealed by a goal from Yohan Roche in the 28th minute, marked Benin’s first ever victory in 90 minutes in the final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations, a landmark moment in the history of national football.
Egypt-Benin team news
Egypt is expected to recall several key offensive players after a rotation in the final group game. Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and Trezeguet are all expected to return to the starting XI to spearhead the Pharaohs’ frontline.
Salah has already scored twice in the tournament, while Marmoush added the other goal, underlining their importance to Egypt’s attacking threat. Trezeguet, who played a major role in qualifying with four goals and an assist, is still looking for his first direct goal in the finals.
Mohamed Hany is also expected to return after serving a one-match suspension following his red card against South Africa. However, Mohanad Lasheen remains doubtful after being forced off due to an apparent injury during the draw against Angola.
Benin could be without Sessi D’Almeida due to injury, while Abdoul Rachid Moumini is suspended after accumulating yellow cards. Steve Mounie, Junior Olaitan and Aiyegun Tosin are expected to shoulder the offensive responsibility.
Olaitan and Mounie were involved in five goals during qualifying, with Olaitan providing two assists, making him a key creative outlet for the West African side.
Expected line-up for the Egypt-Benin match
Egypt: El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Hamdi; Attia, Fathy, Zizo; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet
Benign: Danjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; Imourane, Attidjikou; Tosin, Dodo, Olaitan; Mounie
How to watch Nigeria vs Mozambique: TV channel, live stream online
Kick-off on Monday will be at 4:00 p.m. UK time. In the UK, live CAN 2025 coverage is on Channel 4’s 4seven, All 4 and YouTube channels. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.
Online live streaming is available on a wide range of devices via Channel 4 website and the beIN Sports app and app.
The stats of the Egypt-Benin match
• Egypt has kept clean sheets in its last two CAN matches
• The Pharaohs have conceded 34 shots in total in their last two group matches.
• Egypt scored three goals at CAN 2025, with Salah scoring two.
• Benin qualified among the four best teams ranked third
• The victory against Botswana was Benin’s first ever victory in 90 minutes in the CAN finals.
• Benin failed to score in two of their three group stage matches
Prediction
Benin deserve credit for reaching the round of 16 and securing a historic group stage victory, but the improvement in quality on Monday is significant.
With Salah and Marmoush leading the attack and a clear goal to avoid another early exit, Egypt should have too much quality and experience for the Cheetahs over 90 minutes.
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