Yasser Ibrahim could not hide his pride after heading Egypt into the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a crucial extra-time goal against Benin.
In a tense night at Grand Stade d’Agadir, the defender rose highest in the 97th minute to guide a looping header into the net, restoring Egypt’s lead and swinging the momentum back their way.
Earlier, Egypt had struggled to break down a brave Benin side that defended compactly and countered with real threat, despite Mohamed Salah’s constant movement in the final third. Marwan Attia finally broke the deadlock with a powerful strike on 69 minutes, only for Jodel Dossou to punish a defensive mistake and level the match in the 83rd minute, forcing extra time and piling pressure on the Pharaohs.
Ibrahim, who was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match, reflected on the challenge and praised Benin’s level. “It was not an easy match. Benin were a good team. They scored during a difficult period for us, but we managed to regain control.”
With Salah adding a third deep into stoppage time, Egypt marched on, and Ibrahim stressed that the squad is already focused on the next test in the quarter-finals.
