AFCON 2025: Egypt’s Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhi to attend Benin clash

The Minister of Youth and Sports for Egypt, Ashraf Sobhi is expected to be in attendance when the Pharaohs takes on Benin in the round of 16 clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, being held in Morocco.

In a high-stake clash on Monday, January 5, 2026, the record AFCON holders will lock horns with the Squirrels of Benin at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, with both teams seeking for victory to secure a place in the quarterfinals.

However, Ashraf Sobhi, has decided to travel to Morocco to support the Pharaohs in their game against Benin, as they seeks for eighth AFCON title in the North African country.

The Sports Minister will be joined his deputy Khaled El Darandaly alongside, the Egyptian Football Federation president Hani Abu Rida.

“Ashraf Sobhi, the Minister of Youth and Sports, after attending the reception of the World Cup in Egypt, will leave for Morocco within hours to support the Egyptian national team, accompanied by Hani Abu Rida, the head of the Football Association, and his deputy, Khaled El Darandaly” Sobhi’s spokesperson Mohamed El Shazly disclosed to FilGoal.com.

“Ashraf Sobhi will attend the match against Benin in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations and then return to Egypt again.”

Benin finished third with 3 points, securing qualification as one of the best 4 third-placed teams, while Senegal topped the group with 7 points, leading on goal difference over the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Egypt, on the other hand, topped Group B following an impressive performance in the group stages.