Egypt VS Benin

Egypt, the most decorated nation in African football history, resume their pursuit of continental dominance as they face an improving Benin side in the Round of 16 of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. From a tactical and personnel standpoint, Egypt possess a clear edge. Their attacking trident of Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud Trezeguet ranks among the most dangerous units at the tournament, combining elite individual quality with pace, movement and end-product. Behind them, Egypt’s defensive structure has once again proven compact and disciplined, a hallmark of their recent AFCON success and a key reason they remain one of the most efficient teams on the continent. Benin deserve credit for their progress over the past year, particularly in terms of organisation and competitiveness. However, results at the sharp end of qualification and tournament football have exposed their ceiling. A difficult end to their World Cup qualifying campaign, followed by a 3–0 defeat to Senegal in their final AFCON group match, underlined the gap they still face when competing against Africa’s elite.