Egypt on a mission to restore continental dominance
Egypt topped Group B at AFCON 2025 with seven points and will face Benin in the Round of 16, setting up a crucial knockout clash that could define their path in Morocco. Record winners of the AFCON with seven titles, Egypt entered the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with high expectations. Led by the legendary coach Hossam Hassan, their group stage campaign did not disappoint.
Drawn into Group B alongside Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Angola, the Pharaohs showcased both resilience and tactical discipline. They finished top of the group with seven points, remaining unbeaten across three matches.
Match 1: Egypt vs Zimbabwe: Egypt opened their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory despite falling behind from a Prince Dube goal. Omar Marmoush levelled matters before Mohamed Salah scored a late goal in stoppage time.
Match 2: Egypt vs South Africa: In their second outing, Egypt edged South Africa 1-0, again relying on Salah’s clinical finishing from the spot. This result guaranteed their qualification to the knockout stages, underlining their defensive solidity and ability to grind out results. Egypt playing much of the second half with ten men after Mohamed Hany’s red card, the team held firm to secure the win.
Match 3: Egypt vs Angola: The final group match ended in a 0-0 draw, but Egypt’s defense remained impenetrable. Across the group stage, they scored three goals and conceded one, making them one of the most efficient sides in the tournament.
This combination of attacking sharpness and defensive resilience highlighted Egypt’s credentials as serious contenders for the AFCON crown. Their ability to adapt to different match situations—whether holding a lead with ten men or neutralizing opponents in a stalemate—demonstrates the tactical maturity of coach Hossam Hassan’s squad.
Egypt’s reward for topping Group B is a Round of 16 matchup against Benin, who qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. While Benin may not carry the same pedigree as Egypt, their presence in the knockout stages signals danger for any complacent opponent.
Egypt will need to be wary of Benin’s counter-attacking style and physical approach, which has historically troubled more established teams. This fixture is particularly intriguing because it pits a tournament heavyweight against a side hungry to prove themselves.
For Egypt, the challenge lies in breaking down a compact defense while avoiding unnecessary risks. For Benin, the opportunity is to exploit any lapses in concentration and turn the game into a battle of attrition. Egypt’s prospects at AFCON 2025 look promising.
Their unbeaten group stage run, defensive record, and ability to secure results under pressure position them as one of the tournament favourites. However, the knockout stages are unforgiving. A slip against Benin could derail their ambitions, while a victory would reinforce their status as frontrunners.
If Egypt maintains their defensive discipline and finds greater attacking variety, they could march deep into the tournament. With Salah leading the line and a squad blending experience with youthful energy, the Pharaohs are poised to challenge for their eighth continental title. The Round of 16 clash against Benin will be the first true test of their championship credentials.
