Egypt and Nigeria are the latest teams to book their places in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after recording 3–1 and 4–0 victories over Benin and Mozambique, respectively.
The Pharaohs were made to work hard by a stubborn Benin side, with the match going into extra time. Marwan Ateya appeared to have won it for Egypt with a 69th-minute strike, but Benin responded through Jodel Dossou in the 83rd minute to force extra time.
Seven minutes into the extra time, Yasser Ibrahim restored Egypt’s lead before Mohamed Salah sealed the win with a long-range effort in the fourth minute of stoppage time in the second half of extra time.
In the other encounter, Nigeria were dominant from the outset against Mozambique, who were featuring in the knockout stages for the first time. Ademola Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute after being set up by Akor Adams, who provided another assist five minutes later for Victor Osimhen to make it 2–0.
Nigeria continued their dominance after the break, with Osimhen tapping in Lookman’s cross to make it 3–0. Adams, who had already registered two assists, capped off a fine performance in the 75th minute by finishing a precise pass from Lookman to complete the 4–0 rout.
The Super Eagles will now face the winner between DR Congo and Algeria, while Egypt will take on either Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso.
Elsewhere, hosts Morocco will meet Cameroon, and Mali will clash with Senegal in other confirmed quarterfinal ties, which will be played on Friday and Saturday.
READ ALSO: Chomba Returns To ZSID After Loan Spell Ends at Zesco Ndola Girls
