AFCON 2025: Mohamed Salah Hits Landmark as Egypt Advance to Quarterfinals

Mohamed Salah delivered when it mattered most, scoring deep into extra time to secure Egypt’s place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals after a tense 3-1 victory over Benin at the Stade Adrar in Agadir on Monday.

The Liverpool star was at the heart of Egypt’s attacking play throughout the match, creating chances and eventually bagging his 10th AFCON goal, a milestone that makes him only the third Egyptian player to reach double digits in the competition.

Salah Pulls the Strings Early

Egypt nearly struck in the eighth minute when Salah produced a sublime through-ball from his own half to release Omar Marmoush, but Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou raced off his line to deny the opening goal. Salah continued to orchestrate attacks, including a clever 20th-minute move where he almost converted Hamdi’s cross, only to be crowded out by defenders.

Another moment of brilliance came in the 36th minute as Salah threaded a pass to Marmoush, but the chance was snuffed out by Mohamed Tijani’s robust defending. Despite Salah’s influence, Egypt went into halftime frustrated after missing several opportunities.

Benin Fight Back After Attia’s Stunner

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 69th minute when Marwan Attia smashed home a spectacular strike from the edge of the box. But Egypt’s joy was short-lived, Benin equalized in the 83rd minute through Jodel Dossou after a scrappy sequence inside the area.

Extra time saw Egypt regain control. Yasser Ibrahim restored the lead in the 97th minute with a looping header, but Salah saved his best for last.

Salah’s Historic Strike

In the 124th minute, Salah punished Benin on the counter after a failed corner, catching Dandjinou off his line and scoring from distance. The goal not only sealed Egypt’s passage to the quarterfinals but also etched Salah’s name deeper into AFCON history.

Egypt will now face the winner of Côte d’Ivoire vs Burkina Faso in Agadir on Saturday, with Salah leading the charge for an eighth continental crown.