Egypt face Benin in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16 at the Stade Adrar on Monday.
The Pharaohs collected seven points from a possible nine to top Group B. Benin picked up just three points in Group D to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Match preview
Egypt displayed defensive resilience, athleticism and flair in the group stage.
They came from behind to beat Zimbabwe 2-1, defeated South Africa 1-0 with 10 men and drew 0-0 with Angola with a much-changed side.
Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy was selected in our best XI of the group stage and the CAF’s official team of the group stage. Forward Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush have also not disappointed.
Benin were placed in a tough group that included Senegal and DR Congo. Unsurprisingly, they finished behind the pair.
The Cheetahs lost 1-0 to the DR Congo in their first match, then defeated Comoros by the same scoreline, but fell 3-0 to Senegal in their final group game.
Junior Olaitan and Olivier Vardon are two of the standout players of Gernot Rohr’s side.
Head-to-head
Egypt won 2-0 in their only previous AFCON meeting.
Team news
The Pharaohs are sweating over the fitness of Mohanad Lasheen, who suffered a rib contusion against Angola. Mohamed Hany is back from suspension.
Sessi D’Almeida is doubtful for Benin, while Abdoul Rachid Moumini is suspended due to card accumulation.
Predicted line-ups
Egypt (5-3-2): Mohamed El Shenawy, Rami Rabia, Yasser Ibrahim, Hamdy Fathy, Mohamed Hamdy, Mohamed Hany, Zizo, Marwan Attia, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Salah.
Benin (4-3-3): Marcel Dandjinou, Yohan Roche, Olivier Verdon, Mohamed Tijani, Tamimou Ouorou, Dodo Dokou, Sessi D’Almeida, Imourane Hassane, Junior Olaïtan, Steve Mounie, Aiyegun Tosin.
Prediction
We predict a 2-1 victory for Egypt.
Stats from 11v11.com.
