Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt and Benin are set to meet in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in a fixture that brings together one of the continent’s most decorated teams and a side still seeking a landmark victory against elite opposition. The match will be played on Monday, January 5, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT, and represents a crucial test for both nations at the knockout stage of Africa’s premier tournament.
Egypt, record winners of the Africa Cup of Nations, arrive with momentum after finishing top of Group B on seven points. The Pharaohs opened their campaign with a narrow 2–1 victory over Zimbabwe, followed by a disciplined 1–0 win against South Africa, before securing qualification with a goalless draw against Angola. While not always fluent, Egypt’s results underlined their defensive solidity and tournament experience, traits that have historically carried them deep into continental competitions.
Benin, meanwhile, advanced to the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams. The Cheetahs finished third in Group D with three points, thanks to a 1–0 victory over Botswana. However, defeats to DR Congo and Senegal exposed the challenges they face against stronger opposition. Qualification itself remains an achievement, but the task ahead is formidable.
History offers little encouragement for Benin. The two sides have met four times at senior international level, and Benin have never beaten Egypt. The record shows three Egyptian victories and one memorable draw, a dramatic 3–3 friendly in June 2004 that remains Benin’s closest brush with victory in this fixture.
Their only previous encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations came in 2010, when Egypt defeated Benin 2–0 on their way to lifting the trophy in Angola. Coached at the time by Hassan Shehata, Egypt went on to claim their seventh continental title, reinforcing their reputation as knockout-stage specialists.
The broader head-to-head record further illustrates the imbalance. Egypt recorded a 4–1 win in a 2006 World Cup qualifier in September 2005, followed by a commanding 5–1 victory in a 2008 international friendly. Across these matches, Egypt’s attacking depth and tactical discipline have consistently overwhelmed their West African opponents.
For Egypt, the 2025 encounter represents another step in a campaign defined by expectation. Anything short of a deep run will be seen as a disappointment by supporters and pundits alike. For Benin, the match offers an opportunity to rewrite history and announce themselves on a bigger stage, even if the odds remain firmly stacked against them.
As the tournament enters its decisive phase, past records suggest Egypt will start as clear favorites. Yet, as AFCON history has repeatedly shown, knockout football can be unforgiving, and Benin will be hoping that this long-standing imbalance finally gives way to a new chapter.
