Record-winners Egypt look continue their campaign at the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco with a Round of 16 clash against Benin Republic.
SportPremi provides the detailed match preview and prediction ahead of the January 5th clash at the Stade Adrar in Agadir.
Match Preview
Egypt head into the clash having sealed top spot from Group B, recording seven points from their three group stage matches. They have not been impressive so far in Morocco and will need an improved performance to overcome Benin in their first knockout round.
The Pharaohs came back from a goal deficit to defeat Zimbabwe 2-1 in their first match, with Mohamed Salah netting a stoppage-time winner. The Liverpool forward was also at the heart of things in their second match against South Africa, netting a first half penalty to seal victory for his side.
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They were largely unimpressive against Angola in their final match, although head coach Hossam Hassan rested several starters in the clash.
Benin Republic, meanwhile, reached the Round of 16 from a much difficult group via a third-placed finish. The Cheetahs’ only win came against Group D underdogs Botswana in a 1-0 victory.
They suffered defeats to both Senegal and DR Congo, but still advanced as one of the highest-ranked best losers.
They eliminated Morocco at the same stage in their other Round of 16 appearance in 2019 and will be eyeing another giant-killing performance this time around.
Head to Head Record
20.01.2010 – Egypt 2-0 Benin Republic (African Cup of Nations)
19.11.2008 – Egypt 5-1 Benin Republic (International Friendly Match)
04.09.2005 – Egypt 4-1 Benin Republic (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
04.07.2005 – Benin Republic 3-3 Egypt (FIFA World Cup Qualifier)
Egypt have dominated this matchup in recent meetings and are unbeaten in their last four meetings, winning the last three. The Pharaohs also won 2-0 in the group stage of the 2010 African Cup of Nations, on their way to winning a record-extending seventh title.
Form:
Egypt
Egypt are unbeaten in their last four outings, including at the ongoing AFCON tournament in Morocco, winning two of their three matches.
All of their three goals have been scored by Mohamed Salah (2) and Onar Marmoush (1), while they only conceded once and kept two clean sheets during these matches.
Benin Republic
Benin Republic have won only one of their last five matches , the 1-0 win over Botswana, which was also the only goal they scored during this period.
The Cheetahs multiple times in three of these five matches, including a 3-0 defeat to 10-man Senegal in their final group match.
Team News
Egypt
Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Salah were rested for the clash against Angola, but are expected to return for this clash against Benin Republic.
Predicted Lineups: El Shenawy (GK), Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Hamdi, Attia, Fathy, Zizo, Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet.
Benin Republic
The Cheetahs will be without Sessi D’Almeida due to injury and Rachid Moumini who will be absent due to suspension.
Predicted Lineups: Dandjinou (GK), Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; Imourane, Attidjikou, Tosin, Dodo, Olaitan, Mounie.
SportPremi Prediction
Egypt 1-0 Benin Republic
Egypt have been unimpressive so far un Morocco, but have enough quality to seal a narrow win and advance to the next round.
