Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan said belief and preparation carried his side through a punishing night in Agadir, while Benin’s Gernot Rohr saluted his players’ courage despite a narrow extra-time exit.
Hassan admitted the Round of 16 clash tested his squad “in every way,” stressing that Egypt had planned for a long battle. “There are no easy games at this stage,” he noted. “Benin forced us to adapt, but the players stayed focused whether it was 90 minutes or more.” The coach also revealed the team rallied after Mohamed Hamdy’s injury, drawing motivation from adversity to push on.
Rohr, meanwhile, described the contest as “a real fight played with footballing ideas,” pointing to Benin’s organisation and unity. He lamented the absence of striker Steve Mounié, particularly in aerial situations, but took pride in the Cheetahs’ collective effort. “Against a side with Egypt’s individual quality, my players showed attitude and solidarity. That gives us confidence for the future,” he said.
On the pitch, Egypt eventually prevailed 3–1 after extra time to reach the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations. After a cagey first half dominated by Benin’s discipline and goalkeeper Saturnin Dandjinou’s interventions, the Pharaohs found a breakthrough midway through the second period when Marwan Attia struck from range.
Benin refused to fold. Jodel Dossou punished a lapse at the back to level late on, sending the contest beyond regulation and underlining the underdogs’ resolve. Experience told in extra time, however, as centre-back Yasser Ibrahim rose to nod Egypt back in front, before Mohamed Salah sealed the outcome deep into stoppage time with a swift counter-attack finish.
Composed at the decisive moments, Egypt march on to the last eight, where a meeting with either Côte d’Ivoire or Burkina Faso awaits. Benin depart the tournament with heads held high, having stretched one of Africa’s most decorated teams to the limit and earned widespread respect for their fearless display.
Absolutely fantastic game, really impressive to see both teams showing such mental fortitude! It’s great to hear Rohr acknowledging Benin’s determination.