- Here is Egypt vs Benin prediction article which provides a comprehensive preview, key statistics, and head-to-head analysis ahead of the clash.
- The fixture marks third day of the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 in Morocco.
- Kick-off is set for 7:00 PM EAT / 5:00 PM local time.
Having been eliminated in the Round of 16 in 2023, Egypt will be eager to set the record straight when they face Benin on Monday evening at the Grande Stade d’Agadir, as they chase a place in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals.
The Pharaohs are still in pursuit of a record-extending eighth AFCON title, and their group stage campaign was far from straightforward, despite being considered one of the heavyweight contenders expected to reach the latter stages.
Under Hossam Hassan’s guidance, Egypt began the tournament with a 2-1 victory over a resilient Zimbabwe, secured by a late winner from Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
ALSO READ: AFCON 2025: Brahim Díaz makes history as Morocco edge past Tanzania to reach quarter-finals
They then overcame South Africa’s Bafana Bafana 1-0, despite being a man down, thanks to a solitary Salah penalty.
Their final Group B match ended in a goalless draw against another stubborn opponent, Angola.
As three-time continental champions as a player, Hassan and his squad are determined to advance to the quarterfinals and avoid a repeat of their Round of 16 exits in 2019 (as hosts) and 2023 in Ivory Coast.
Benin, meanwhile, are targeting only their second-ever appearance in the quarterfinals.
For manager Gernot Rohr, reaching the knockout stage is a welcome achievement after his team ended a 16-match winless run at AFCON finals with their first-ever open-play victory, defeating Botswana on matchday two.
A solo goal from Yohan Roche secured maximum points in Group D, where they qualified as one of the best third-place finishers.
Benin are now making successive knockout-stage appearances, a significant improvement after failing to progress in their first three AFCON tournaments.
CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME
Their only previous Round of 16 match in 2019 ended 1-1 against Morocco; they took a 53rd-minute lead through Moise Adilehou, conceded an equalizer in the 76th minute, but triumphed 4-1 on penalties after extra time.
Here are the key details for Egypt’s clash with Benin on Monday, along with some betting tips for your wager on SportPesa, where you’ll find a variety of markets and instant payouts.
What time does Egypt vs Benin kick off?
The two sides will square off at the Grande Stade d’Agadir in Morocco on Monday, January 5, with kickoff set for 7pm EAT / 5pm local time.
Egypt vs Benin team news
The Pharaohs are sweating over the fitness of Mohanad Lasheen, who suffered a rib contusion against Angola. Mohamed Hany is back from suspension.
Having rested key players in their final group match, Hassan is expected to field his strongest attacking trio: Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Trezeguet.
Meanwhile, Sessi D’Almeida is an injury doubt for Benin, while Abdoul Rachid Moumini is suspended after accumulating yellow cards.
Egypt vs Benin Predicted lineups
- Egypt: El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Hamdi; Attia, Fathy, Zizo; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet
- Benin: Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; Imourane, Attidjikou; Tosin, Dodo, Olaitan; Mounie
Egypt vs Benin Head-to-head record
The sides last met in the final Group C game of the 2010 edition, with Egypt already qualified as group winners.
The Pharaohs recorded a 2-0 victory, with Ahmed El Mohamady opening the scoring in the 7th minute and Emad Moteab adding a second in the 81st.
Overall, Egypt and Benin have met four times previously.
Egypt have won three of those matches, with one draw, while Benin are yet to register a victory.
Egypt vs Benin Prediction and betting tips
Egypt have scored in all four meetings, while Benin have found the net in three. There has been just one clean sheet in this fixture – Egypt’s 2-0 win in 2010.
Egypt are currently winless in their last four matches against West African opposition, with their last victory being a 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in the 2021 group stages.
Given the depth of their current squad, Egypt enter this match as favorites to win and advance to the last eight.
However, don’t be surprised if the Cheetahs dig deep and cause significant problems, potentially making this a tightly contested affair.