AGADIR, Morocco — Egypt’s national team is ramping up preparations for a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last-16 clash against Benin on January 5, as the 2025 tournament in Morocco moves into its decisive knockout phase.
Under head coach Hossam Hassan, the Pharaohs have maintained a disciplined training programme, combining physical conditioning, tactical drills, and scrimmages — reflecting a focused build-up ahead of a high-stakes encounter.
Egypt secured a top spot in Group B with seven points, recording wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa before a goalless draw against Angola. That record set up a meeting with Benin, who advanced as Group D’s third-placed side behind Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
With qualification secured early, Hassan rotated heavily in the final group match, resting 11 regular starters against Angola. That strategy allows Egypt to return close to full strength for the Benin clash, with several key players set to resume their roles.
Right-back Mohamed Hany returns from a one-match suspension after his red card against South Africa, strengthening a defence that has conceded just once so far in the tournament.
Egypt’s attack is set for a timely lift, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush expected to reunite up front after being rested in the final group-stage match.
The duo has driven Egypt’s offensive output, accounting for all three of the team’s goals so far — Salah with two and Marmoush with one.
Salah’s performance in the 2025 AFCON adds to an impressive continental record. The Liverpool forward now has nine goals and four assists in 21 Africa Cup of Nations appearances, across 1,975 minutes.
His strike against South Africa also saw him surpass Ahmed Hassan’s eight-goal tally in AFCON history, moving him closer to Egyptian legends Hassan El-Shazly (12 goals) and Hossam Hassan (11 goals).
History favours the Pharaohs in Monday’s showdown, which will be the fifth meeting between the two nations. Egypt remains unbeaten in the previous four encounters, recording three wins and a draw while scoring 14 goals and conceding five.
As the knockout rounds loom, Egypt’s mix of experience, squad depth, and renewed momentum will face a stern test against a Benin side eager to defy expectations and extend their AFCON journey.
A win would see Egypt reach the quarter-finals for an 11th time, adding to previous appearances in 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2017, and 2021.
Despite this, Egypt remains unbeaten in five matches against West African opponents in open play (W1 D4), with their last defeat a 1-0 loss to Nigeria in the opening group game of 2021.
Arab stars top AFCON charts
Away from the knockout drama, Arab players have dominated the top of the AFCON 2025 scoring charts following the group stage.
Morocco’s Ibrahim Diaz and Ayoub El-Kaabi, alongside Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, lead the scorers with three goals each, setting the stage for an early Golden Boot battle.
The Moroccan duo made headlines in a commanding 3–0 victory over Zambia, which secured top spot in their group. El-Kaabi scored twice with clinical finishing, while Diaz added a third, highlighting their attacking threat.
Diaz had also scored in earlier rounds against Comoros and Mali, completing a consistent group-stage display. El-Kaabi combined sharp movement and finishing to establish himself as one of the tournament’s most dangerous forwards.
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez matched their output with three goals, delivering a standout group-stage performance for the Desert Warriors and cementing his status among Africa’s elite attackers.
Just behind the leading trio sits Egypt captain Mohamed Salah with two goals, alongside Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman and Côte d’Ivoire’s Amad Diallo. Salah’s strikes against Zimbabwe and South Africa played a key role in Egypt’s smooth qualification for the knockout rounds.
With the tournament now entering its most intense phase, both the battle for progression and the race for the top scorer’s crown are set to heat up, in an Africa Cup of Nations that continues to deliver drama, talent, and unpredictability.
