Egypt and Benin clash tonight in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 at Grande Stade d’Agadir, with the seven-time champions chasing a quarterfinal berth against a fearless underdog.
Egypt Seeks to Avoid Upsets
The Pharaohs topped Group B and enter as clear favourites, but coach Hossam Hassan remains wary after past early knockouts in 2019 and Ivory Coast.
Winger Mahmoud Trezeguet, set to start alongside Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, warned the team must be ruthless.
“In knockout football, we can’t waste chances,” Trezeguet said at the pre-match briefing. “We have to convert every opportunity.”
He praised the squad’s attacking flair as a strong foundation for success.
Benin Ready for Historic Upset
The Cheetahs reached the last 16 for only the second time, boosted by their first-ever AFCON finals victory over Botswana in the groups.
Defender Olivier Verdon outlined the mindset:
- First target: Qualify from group (achieved)
- Next target: Beat Egypt and reach quarterfinals
“We’re full of ambition now,” Verdon said. “We believe we can win and go further.”
Match Essentials
- Venue: Grande Stade d’Agadir, Morocco
- Date: Monday, 5 January 2026
- Kick-off: 5:00 PM local / 6:00 PM Cairo / 4:00 PM GMT
Expect Egypt’s star power to test Benin’s organised defence in a tense knockout battle.
MORE NEWS: Liverpool Parts Ways with Individual Development Coach Aaron Briggs
