The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is Africa’s most prestigious international football tournament, held every two years and featuring the continent’s top national sides. The 2025/26 edition, staged in Morocco, features 24 teams competing from group stages into knockout rounds. Egypt — the record seven-time winners — aim to reclaim continental glory they last achieved in 2010.

This Round of 16 match — Egypt vs Benin — pits a traditional powerhouse against an emerging West African side. While Egypt are favorites on paper, football history has shown that AFCON knockouts often produce drama, tactical surprises, and emotional moments. With a quarter-final spot on the line, this clash carries both prestige and pressure.

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2️⃣ Paths to the Knockouts

Egypt’s Journey

Egypt qualified from Group B, finishing top with seven points. Their campaign saw:

• A 2-1 win over Zimbabwe (Salah penalty)

• A narrow 1-0 victory vs South Africa (Salah from penalty after a red card)

• A 0-0 draw with Angola using rotated personnel

This unbeaten run built confidence and tactical stability under coach Hossam Hassan, rekindling hopes that the Pharaohs can finally break a decade-long AFCON drought.

Benin’s Journey

Benin finished third in Group D and qualified as one of the four best third-placed teams. Their tournament highlight came from a historic 1-0 victory over Botswana — the nation’s first win in AFCON finals competition in open play.

Despite defeats to DR Congo and Senegal, this victory injected belief and momentum into the Cheetahs’ journey.

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3️⃣ Historical Head-to-Head & Context

Official CAF data shows:

• Egypt and Benin have met four times previously across competitive matches.

• Egypt lead the series 3 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses against Benin.

• Egypt have scored in all four meetings, with Benin scoring in three.

• At AFCON finals specifically, Egypt registered a 2-0 win in 2010.

This history underscores Egypt’s upper hand but also reminds us that football evolves — past dominance does not guarantee future success.

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4️⃣ Egypt National Team Profile

Coaching & Philosophy

Head Coach Hossam Hassan, a legendary former striker, has revitalized Egypt. His approach blends attacking ambition with tactical discipline. Since taking charge in 2024, Hassan’s Egyptians have become more balanced — pressing when needed, defending with shape, and exploiting breakout opportunities with pace.

Team Identity

Egypt’s football identity remains rooted in:

• Technical ball control

• Patient buildup

• Effective transitions

• Patented Salah-led finishing

They retain experience and tactical awareness unmatched by most AFCON sides.

Recent Performances

Egypt have shown:

• Defensive improvement with 2 clean sheets

• Goals in key moments

• The ability to adapt lineups without losing structure

Their unbeaten group stage reflects consistency and capability under pressure.

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5️⃣ Benin National Team Profile

Coaching Outlook

Benin are led by experienced tactician Gernot Rohr, known for building organized and defensively structured teams. Benin’s progression to the Round of 16 reflects careful tactical management, particularly after years of AFCON struggles.

Team Identity

The Benin national team typically focuses on:

• Structured defense

• Compact midfield shape

• Opportunistic counter-attacks

Their victory over Botswana highlighted resilience and opportunistic finishing.

Recent Performances

Benin’s strengths include:

• Defensive commitment

• Team cohesion

• Tactical discipline

However, offensive output remains a challenge, with only one goal in the group stage.

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6️⃣ Tactical & Strategic Breakdown

🟦 Egypt (Preferred Setup)

Likely Shape: 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3

Strengths:

• Possession dominance

• Central creativity with Salah & Marmoush

• Wing play and penetration

Weaknesses:

• Occasional vulnerability to direct counter-attacks

• Defensive lapses under high pressing pressure

Egypt’s game plan is to control tempo, create superior numbers in midfield, and utilize fast breaks through wide channels.

🟥 Benin (Preferred Setup)

Likely Shape: 4-4-2 or 4-5-1

Strengths:

• Compact defensive blocks

• Discipline in shape

• Counter-attacking potential

Weaknesses:

• Less creativity in attack

• Inconsistent ball progression

Benin will likely absorb pressure, protect central lanes, and attack selectively — relying on transitions and set pieces when possible.

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7️⃣ Key Players To Watch

🌟 Egypt

• Mohamed Salah: The talisman and creative focal point; expected to influence final-third moments.

• Omar Marmoush: Adds width and unpredictability.

• Trezeguet: Experienced winger linking midfield and attack.

🔥 Benin

• Junior Olaitan: Creative spark capable of unlocking defenses.

• Steve Mounié: Target forward and aerial threat.

• Olivier Verdon: Defensive anchor expected to organize backline.

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8️⃣ Predicted Lineups & Formations

🟦 Egypt (Expected XI)

• GK: El Shenawy

• DEF: Hany — Rami Rabia — Yasser Ibrahim — Hamdy

• MID: Marwan Attia — Zizo — Mohamed Hany

• FWD: Salah — Marmoush — Trezeguet
  (Shape: Attack-oriented 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1)

🟥 Benin (Expected XI)

• GK: Dandjinou

• DEF: Ouorou — Verdon — Tijani — Roche

• MID: Imorou — Attidjikou — Tosin — Dodo

• FWD: Olaitan — Mounié
  (Shape: Compact 4-4-2)

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9️⃣ Strengths, Weaknesses & Matchups

⚔️ Egypt’s Strengths

• Superior possession retention

• Experienced attackers

• Midfield creativity

⚔️ Benin’s Strengths

• Defensive organization

• Team discipline

• Underdog motivation

🎯 Tactical Matchup to Watch

Can Benin’s midfield congest Egypt’s build-up? Egypt’s fullbacks will likely pin Benin wide, creating gaps in central midfield. Egypt’s ability to rotate the ball into the box quickly could expose Benin’s defensive line.

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10️⃣ Key Stats & Data Trends

Here’s what data suggests for this matchup:

Statistically, Egypt holds the upper hand in both offense and defense, with a sharper scoring rate and more consistent clean sheets.

Live Commentary Preview Box (Matchday UX)

🔴 Ideal for Top Stories, Discover, and live blogs

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🔴 Egypt vs Benin — Live Match Preview

Kick-off: 17:00 (Cairo Time)
Venue: Adrar Stadium, Agadir
Competition: AFCON 2025/26 – Round of 16

Egypt enter this knockout fixture as strong favorites, aiming to control possession and dictate tempo through midfield. Benin are expected to defend deep, remain compact, and look for counter-attacking opportunities and set-piece chances.

An early Egyptian goal could open the game, while Benin’s resilience will be tested by sustained pressure. Tactical discipline, patience, and individual quality are likely to decide the outcome.

Live Coverage Includes:

• Confirmed lineups

• Key tactical changes

• Goal analysis

• Match momentum updates

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Match Prediction Models & Insights (Non-Promotional)

📊 Probability-Based Match Model

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🔍 Expected Match Scenarios

Most Likely Scorelines:

• Egypt 2–0 Benin

• Egypt 1–0 Benin

Why Egypt Are Favored

• Higher possession efficiency

• More shots per match

• Greater AFCON knockout experience

How Benin Can Compete

• Maintain compact defensive lines

• Win aerial duels

• Capitalize on rare transition moments

This matchup is expected to be tactically controlled rather than high-scoring, with Egypt gradually wearing down Benin’s defense.

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11️⃣ Expert Predictions & Game Scenarios

Leading prediction models and expert previews suggest:

🔹 Common forecast: Egypt 2–0 Benin (Clean sheet expected)
🔹 Some models also highlight Benin’s resilience, making draws plausible if Egypt fail to break defensive lines early.
🔹 Most probability models heavily favor an Egypt win due to experience, squad quality, and tactical superiority.

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12️⃣ Injury, Squad News & Coaching Commentary

Egypt

• Keeping an eye on fitness of some fringe players like Mohanad Lasheen.

• Coach Hassan emphasizes respect for the opponent and warns against complacency.

Benin

• Benin’s players enter motivated after historic breakthrough win.

• Coach Rohr has suggested belief in his squad’s growth trajectory, even against elite teams.

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13️⃣ Where To Watch

• The match will be televised across official AFCON broadcast partners and streaming platforms in Africa and globally. (Check local listings for exact channels.)

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14️⃣ In-Match Tactical Keys

1. Early Possession Battle

Egypt must control the opening exchanges to prevent Benin from settling.

2. Exploiting Flanks

Egypt’s fullbacks and wingers must target Benin’s wide channels, forcing defensive rotation.

3. Transition Defense

Benin must block passing lanes centrally and spring quick counters to challenge Egypt’s high line.

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15️⃣ Conclusion: What This Match Means

This Egypt vs Benin clash is more than a Round of 16 fixture:

• Egypt aim to break a title drought and reaffirm continental dominance.

• Benin seek to build on historic progress and test themselves against a heavyweight.

• The match provides a compelling tactical contrast: Egypt’s technical attack versus Benin’s defensive resolve.

With experienced leaders on both sides and contrasting football philosophies, this encounter symbolizes the evolving competitive landscape of African football.

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16️⃣ FAQs About Egypt vs Benin (Ultra-Comprehensive)

Q1: Where and when is Egypt vs Benin played?
A: 5 January 2026 at Adrar Stadium, Agadir during the AFCON Round of 16.

Q2: Who are the favorites?
A: Egypt are widely favored due to squad depth, form, and tournament pedigree.

Q3: How many times have Egypt beaten Benin?
A: Egypt have beaten Benin in 3 of 4 historical meetings, with one draw.

Q4: What tactical edge does Egypt have?
A: Egypt’s possession strength, technical ability, and attacking firepower are key advantages