Mohamed Salah scored with the final kick of extra time as Egypt secured a 3–1 victory over Benin to reach the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.
Egypt had been on top for most of the match but were pushed to extra time after Benin struck late to force a 1–1 draw at the end of normal play.
The Pharaohs dominated possession from the opening whistle and created the better chances, but it took until the 69th minute for the breakthrough to arrive. Marwan Attia found space outside the box and curled a precise shot into the top corner to put Egypt ahead.
Just as Egypt appeared to be closing in on victory, Benin struck back. In the 83rd minute, Jodel Dossou reacted quickest after goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy could only push out a deflected shot, finishing from close range to level the match.
Extra time followed, and Egypt regained control early. Seven minutes into the additional period, Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to meet Attia’s cross, sending a looping header into the far corner to restore Egypt’s lead.
Benin pushed forward in search of another equaliser, leaving space at the back. Deep into stoppage time, Zizo released Salah on the counterattack, and the forward calmly fired past Marcel Dandjinou from outside the penalty area to seal the result.
It was Salah’s third goal of the tournament and his 10th in Africa Cup of Nations history.
Despite their dominance, Egypt were not at their sharpest and missed several opportunities earlier in the game. Omar Marmoush wasted a clear chance in the first half after hesitating when clean through on goal, allowing Dandjinou to close him down.
Both sides suffered injury blows. Benin striker Aiyegun Tosin was stretchered off before half-time with a leg injury, while Egypt left-back Mohamed Hamdy was also forced off after a heavy collision that appeared to affect his knee.
Egypt national football team will remain in Agadir for their quarter-final on Saturday, where they will face either Burkina Faso or defending champions Ivory Coast.
Benin exit the tournament at the last-16 stage, having reached the knockout rounds thanks to a single group-stage win over Botswana.
