Benin assistant coach Nabil Trabelsi has acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting his side as they prepare to face Egypt in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Pharaohs are set to take on Benin on Monday, January 5, with kick-off scheduled for 6 pm Cairo time, as both teams battle for a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament in Morocco.
Speaking on the On Sport channel’s Stadium On programme, Trabelsi admitted that Egypt’s pedigree and wealth of experience make them formidable opponents.
“It’s a difficult match because Egypt has a lot of experience. The Egyptian national team has excellent players, especially in the forward line. Marmoush and Mohamed Salah are among the best players in the world, as is Trezeguet, and in goal, there are players from Al-Ahly and Zamalek,” he said.
He noted that, on paper, Egypt hold the advantage due to their depth and star quality but stressed that Benin are fully aware of the task ahead.
“On paper, the Egyptian national team is stronger and has experienced players and stars. We know our size. We will present a match worthy of the Benin national team and the Beninese people. Hossam Hassan won the Africa Cup of Nations and knows the atmosphere of Africa. The Egyptian national team is very respectable,” Trabelsi added.
Asked to single out Egypt’s biggest threat, the Benin assistant coach insisted that danger runs throughout the squad, particularly in attack.
“All the players, especially the attacking line. Mohamed Salah remains an excellent player, and I personally consider him one of the best players in the world. What he offers at Liverpool is an honour for me personally,” he stated.
