Egypt will head into their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 meeting with Benin holding a clear historical advantage, as the Pharaohs look to assert their pedigree against the West African side in Morocco.
Benin booked a place in the knockout stage despite a 3-0 defeat to Senegal in their final Group D fixture, finishing third on three points and progressing as one of the four best third-placed teams.
The result was enough to extend their tournament stay, but it also set up a difficult assignment against one of Africa’s most decorated national teams.
The last-16 clash will mark the second time Egypt and Benin have met at the Africa Cup of Nations. Across four previous meetings in all competitions, Egypt have dominated the fixture, recording three victories, with Benin’s only positive outcome coming via a draw.
The record underlines the challenge facing the Squirrels as they prepare to confront a side steeped in continental success.
Egypt’s reputation at the AFCON precedes them. Seven-time champions of the tournament, the Pharaohs have consistently used their experience, tactical discipline and individual quality to navigate high-pressure knockout matches.
Their historical superiority over Benin reflects a broader trend of control and consistency whenever the two sides have crossed paths.
The encounter represents an opportunity for Benin to defy history and register a landmark result. However, the balance of past meetings strongly favours Egypt, who will enter the fixture as clear favourites, intent on reinforcing their dominance and advancing deeper into the competition.
