Egypt and Nigeria Reach 2025 Africa Cup Quarterfinals

The Round of 16 matches of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations are unfolding without major surprises so far, with tournament favorites naturally advancing to the quarterfinals. Today, January 5, Egypt narrowly defeated Benin, while Nigeria crushed Mozambique. Earlier, Mali, Senegal, Cameroon, and Morocco had already reached the quarterfinals.

Egypt beat Benin 3-1 with difficulty, scoring two decisive goals in extra time. The regular time ended in a 1-1 draw. Marwan Attia of Egyptian club Al Ahly opened the scoring with a beautiful touch finish in the 69th minute, but Benin veteran Jodel Dossou equalized in the 83rd minute following Egyptian mistakes.

In extra time, in the 97th minute, another Al Ahly player, Yasser Ibrahim, put Egypt ahead. The final score was set by national team captain Mohamed Salah in the 123rd minute. Remarkably, at such a late stage, the 33-year-old Liverpool player launched a counterattack, outran both teammates and Benin defenders, and converted a one-on-one chance. This is Salah’s third goal in the tournament—he scores in every match he plays.

In the day’s second match, Nigeria convincingly defeated Mozambique 4-0. Victor Osimhen scored twice, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams each scored once. Lookman and Adams also provided two assists each.

Osimhen and Lookman have three goals each in the tournament. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz currently leads the top scorers list, while Lookman has the most assists—four.
In the quarterfinals, Egypt will face the winner of the Côte d’Ivoire – Burkina Faso match, while Nigeria will meet the winner of Algeria – DR Congo. The remaining Round of 16 matches will take place on January 6.