Pharaohs coach Hossam Hassan recalled stars like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush after resting them against Angola. Seven-time champions Egypt finished the group stage unbeaten, whereas Benin qualified narrowly as a third-place team.
Egypt dominated early possession, but Marmoush saw a strike cleared off the line. Injuries struck both teams: Benin replaced Tosin with Jodel Dossou, while Egypt lost Mohamed Hamdi and Trezeguet. Marwan Attia eventually broke the deadlock with a superb strike from the edge of the box. However, Benin forced extra time when Dossou pounced on a rebound following El Shenawy’s parry.
Egypt reclaimed the lead seven minutes into extra time. Attia turned provider, crossing for defender Yasser Ibrahim, who rose high to head home. The North Africans finally secured victory in stoppage time via a late counter attack. Zizo released Salah, who coolly finished past the onrushing goalkeeper, sealing a dramatic win for the determined Egyptian side.