AFCON 2025: Egypt And Nigeria Reach Quarterfinals After Group-stage Wins
Egypt and Nigeria advance to the quarter-finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations after clear wins over Benin and Mozambique. Egypt win 3-1 after extra time, while Nigeria defeat Mozambique 4-0. Both sides show control in key moments, confirming their status as strong contenders as the tournament enters the knockout phase.
Nigeria’s display against Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is dominant from the start. Playing at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, the Super Eagles strike early and maintain pressure. Mozambique, featuring in an AFCON knockout match for the first time, struggle to cope with Nigeria’s organised attacking shape.
The Super Eagles combine clinical finishing with clear tactical structure. Nigeria convert their chances and keep control in midfield, leaving Mozambique with limited openings. The 4-0 scoreline reflects Nigeria’s efficiency in both penalty areas and confirms a confident route into the quarter-finals, where stronger opposition is likely to test their consistency.
Egypt face a very different test in their CAF Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 tie with Benin. Although Egypt include Mohamed Salah in the starting line-up, the team initially struggle. Benin, well organised and aggressive on the counter-attack, unsettle the Pharaohs throughout the first half and reach the interval at 0-0.
Benin rely heavily on the work of Aloko, Olaitan and Dossou, who drive transitions with pace. Goalkeeper Dandjinou also plays a central role, making several important saves. Egypt find little space between the lines and lack fluency before half-time. The match demands patience from the Pharaohs, despite their status as one of the tournament favourites.
The tempo changes after the restart as Egypt increase their pressure. In the 69th minute, Marwan Attia breaks the deadlock with a powerful strike from the edge of the area, finishing a move started on the right by Mohamed Salah. Benin respond in the 83rd minute, when Jodel Dossou punishes a defensive mistake to force extra time.
Experience becomes decisive during extra time in this CAF Africa Cup of Nations contest. In the 97th minute, Yasser Ibrahim restores Egypt’s advantage with a looping header from a right-sided cross. Benin push forward seeking another equaliser, leave gaps at the back, and are finally punished when Mohamed Salah finishes a counter-attack to score Egypt’s third goal.
{TABLE_1}The 3-1 victory sends Egypt into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, where the Pharaohs will face the winner of the tie between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso. Benin leave the tournament after a committed performance against Egypt, while Nigeria and Egypt now prepare for tougher challenges as the CAF Africa Cup of Nations progresses.
With inputs from WAM
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