The Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 delivered contrasting narratives as Egypt edged past Benin after extra time, while Nigeria produced a commanding display to dismantle Mozambique, sealing their place in the quarterfinals.
Egypt 3–1 Benin
Egypt booked their quarterfinal spot after a dramatic 3–1 extra-time victory over Benin in Agadir.
The breakthrough arrived in the 69th minute when Marwan Attia struck from distance, but Benin responded late through Jodel Dossou’s 83rd-minute equaliser, forcing extra time.
In the additional period, Egypt’s experience proved decisive. Yasser Ibrahim restored the lead in the 97th minute, before Mohamed Salah sealed the win in the 124th minute, ending Benin’s resistance.
Final Score:
• Egypt 3–1 Benin (after extra time)
• Goals: Attia (69′), Ibrahim (97′), Salah (124′); Dossou (83′)
Nigeria 4–0 Mozambique
Nigeria delivered one of the most emphatic performances of the knockout stage, defeating Mozambique 4–0 to book their place in the AFCON quarterfinals.
The Super Eagles set the tone early when Ademola Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute. Just five minutes later, Victor Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s advantage, finishing clinically to put Mozambique under severe pressure.
Osimhen struck again shortly after the restart in the 47th minute, effectively ending the contest. Nigeria continued to dominate and were rewarded once more when A. Adams added a fourth goal in the 75th minute, completing a comprehensive victory.
Final Score:
• Nigeria 4–0 Mozambique
• Goals: A. Lookman (20′), V. Osimhen (25′, 47′), A. Adams (75′)
AFCON 2025 Quarterfinalists So Far
With Round of 16 matches now concluded up to January 5, the following teams have secured quarterfinal places:
- Senegal
- Mali
- Morocco
- Cameroon
- Egypt
- Nigeria
The remaining Round of 16 fixtures will determine the final spots as the tournament heads deeper into its decisive phase.