Egypt’s national team, the record holder for the most Africa Cup of Nations titles (7 titles), faces its Beninese counterpart in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations football tournament, in a decisive match.
Predictions favor the Egyptian national team, led by coach Hossam Hassan, due to its perfect run during the group stage and the extensive experience of its players in knockout rounds, compared to the Benin national team which has never progressed beyond the quarter-finals in its four previous tournament appearances.
Date and Time of the Egypt vs. Benin Africa Cup Match
The match between Egypt and Benin will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, Morocco.
The kick-off whistle blows at 5:00 PM Morocco and Algeria time (17:00), 6:00 PM Egypt time (18:00), and 7:00 PM Qatar and Saudi Arabia time (19:00).
Channels Broadcasting the Egypt vs. Benin Match
Live and real-time coverage of the match can also be followed moment by moment online.
History of Egypt vs. Benin Encounters
The two national teams have met once before in the Africa Cup of Nations finals, in the 2010 edition in Angola, during the group stage. The Egyptian national team won 2-0 on its way to clinching the title. The first goal was an own goal in the 47th minute, before Egyptian player Mohamed Nagy “Gedo” sealed the result with a second goal in the 81st minute, in a tournament where he finished as top scorer with 5 goals.
Regarding encounters outside the continental tournament, the Benin national team has never managed to defeat Egypt. The Pharaohs won 4-1 in Cairo during the African qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup, after the two teams drew 3-3 in the first leg held in Benin.
Benin’s Ambition and the 2019 Surprise
On the other hand, the Benin national team aspires to repeat its historic surprise from the 2019 edition hosted in Egypt, when it knocked out the Moroccan national team in the round of 16 on penalties (4-1), after regular and extra time ended in a 1-1 draw. It then exited the tournament in the quarter-finals with a loss to Senegal by a single goal scored by Sadio Mané.
Egypt’s Probable Lineup
Mohamed El Shenawy, Mohamed Hany, Hossam Abdel Majeed, Yasser Ibrahim, Mohamed Hamdy, Hamdy Fathy, Marwan Attia, Emam Ashour, Trézéguet, Omar Marmoush, and Mohamed Salah.
Benin’s Probable Lineup
Dandjinou, Aiyouro, Tijani, Verdon, Roche, Samadu, Houssou, Tosin, Doco, Olaitan, and Mounié.
Egypt
Egypt, home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, is famed for its ancient monuments along the Nile River, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, which date back over 4,500 years. Its long history encompasses the Pharaonic kingdoms, Greco-Roman rule, and later Islamic and Ottoman influences, with Cairo serving as a major cultural and political center for centuries.
Benin
Benin, historically the site of the powerful Kingdom of Benin (not to be confused with the modern Republic of Benin), was a major West African state from the 13th to 19th centuries, renowned for its sophisticated bronze and ivory artworks. Its capital, Edo (now Benin City in Nigeria), was a center of great wealth and administrative complexity until the kingdom’s decline following a British punitive expedition in 1897.
Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the premier international men’s football competition in Africa, first held in 1957. It was founded by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and has grown from three initial participants to a major tournament featuring 24 national teams, serving as a significant platform for African football and cultural celebration.
Cairo International Stadium
Cairo International Stadium is a major sports venue in Egypt’s capital, inaugurated in 1960 and later expanded to host the 1991 All-Africa Games. It is known for hosting major football matches, concerts, and events, serving as the home ground for the Egyptian national football team.
Cairo
Cairo is the sprawling capital of Egypt, founded in 969 CE by the Fatimid dynasty. It is famously home to historic Islamic districts, the Egyptian Museum, and the nearby Giza pyramid complex, which dates back to the 26th century BCE.
Adrar Stadium
Adrar Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium located in Agadir, Morocco, primarily used for football matches and as the home ground of Hassania Agadir. It was inaugurated in 2013 and replaced the older Stade Al Inbiaâte, built to meet modern standards for hosting matches in the Moroccan Botola Pro.
Agadir
Agadir is a major coastal city in Morocco, known today for its modern beach resorts. Its history is marked by a devastating earthquake in 1960 that destroyed much of the old city, leading to a complete reconstruction in a contemporary style on a new site nearby.
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, Arab influence from the 7th century, and successive dynasties like the Almoravids and Almohads. Its cultural sites, such as the ancient city of Fez and the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, reflect this blend of Arab, Amazigh, and European heritage. The country is also known for its well-preserved medieval medinas, kasbahs, and as a former French and Spanish protectorate that gained independence in 1956.
Algeria
Algeria is a North African country with a rich history shaped by ancient Berber kingdoms, Roman rule, and centuries as a core province of the Ottoman Empire. It was colonized by France in the 19th century before gaining independence in 1962 after a prolonged war of liberation. Today, its cultural heritage includes numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Roman ruins of Timgad and the historic Casbah of Algiers.
Qatar
Qatar is a sovereign country located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, historically shaped by its Bedouin heritage and centuries of pearl diving. Its modern history is defined by the discovery of vast oil and natural gas reserves in the mid-20th century, which rapidly transformed it into one of the world’s wealthiest nations. The capital, Doha, is now a global hub known for its modern architecture, cultural institutions like the Museum of Islamic Art, and its role as host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a Middle Eastern nation that is the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. Historically, it was the center of several ancient trade routes and kingdoms before being unified under the Al Saud dynasty in 1932, establishing a state deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and governance. Today, it is a major global economic power due to its vast reserves of petroleum and natural gas.
Angola
Angola is a country in southwestern Africa that gained independence from Portugal in 1975 after a long liberation war. It is known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage from various ethnic groups, and a history deeply shaped by the transatlantic slave trade and a subsequent civil war that lasted until 2002.
Senegal
Senegal is a West African country known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, particularly as a former center of the transatlantic slave trade and French colonial rule. Its cultural sites include the UNESCO-listed Island of Gorée, a poignant memorial to the slave trade, and the Saint-Louis historic district, a former colonial capital.
