AFCON 2025: Benin were a tough opponent – Egypt coach Hossam Hassan

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan hailed his team’s character after a draining 3–1 extra-time victory over Benin that sent the Pharaohs into the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

He stressed that the match underlined how there are no easy teams at this tournament, as Benin pushed Egypt to the limit before experience made the difference.

The game in Agadir was tense from the start, with Egypt struggling to break down a disciplined Benin side despite Mohamed Salah’s presence in attack. Benin’s counters and the saves of goalkeeper Dandjinou kept the first half goalless and increased the pressure on Hassan’s men.

After the break, Egypt finally found a way through when Marwan Attia drilled in the opener in the 69th minute, but a defensive mistake allowed Jodel Dossou to level in the 83rd minute and drag the tie to extra time. Hassan’s faith in his players paid off as Yasser Ibrahim’s looping header in the 97th minute restored the lead, before Salah killed the contest with a stoppage-time goal on the break.

​“It was a very difficult match. Before the game, I said there are no easy teams, and Benin were a tough opponent. We work to analyse every opponent in order to adapt our game,”

“Egypt is a great football team and I want to make my people happy. We are sad about the injury to Mohamed Hamdy, which seems serious. His teammates played for him.

“We are mentally prepared to play either 90 minutes or extra time. I trust my team and my staff, especially the medical staff, to ensure good recovery before the next match,”