How Mohamed Salah goal helped Egypt beat Benin after extra time to reach AFCON 2025 last eight - The New York Times

CAIRO – Mohamed Salah’s decisive goal in extra time secured Egypt a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Benin on Sunday, propelling the Pharaohs into the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025. The Liverpool star’s late strike not only settled a tense match at Stade Mohammed V but also reaffirmed Egypt’s status as a continental powerhouse eager to reclaim the prestigious title. This crucial win sets the stage for a challenging next round, as Egypt aims to build on their rich AFCON legacy.

Mohamed Salah’s Decisive Strike Secures Egypt’s Spot in AFCON 2025 Quarterfinals

Mohamed Salah rose to the occasion once again, delivering a moment of brilliance in extra time that propelled Egypt into the quarterfinals of AFCON 2025. The Reds battled fiercely against a resilient Benin side for 120 tense minutes, with Salah’s clinical finish breaking the deadlock at the 112th minute. His perfectly timed run and precise strike from the edge of the box left the Benin goalkeeper with no chance, igniting jubilant celebrations among Egyptian fans and teammates alike.

The match was defined by:

Strong defensive performances on both sides
Benin’s tactical discipline forcing Egypt to press harder
Salah’s leadership and calm under pressure during the most crucial moments

This victory underscores Egypt’s growing momentum in the tournament, with the squad now setting sights firmly on the semifinals. Salah’s goal not only sealed the win but also reaffirmed his status as Africa’s football icon in clutch situations.

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Tactical Shifts and Key Plays That Defined the Egypt vs Benin Showdown

Egypt’s manager implemented a bold tactical switch midway through the second half, transitioning from a traditional 4-3-3 to a more dynamic 3-5-2 formation. This shift allowed midfielders to exert greater control, disrupting Benin’s rhythm and increasing pressure on the opposition’s defense. The wing-backs surged forward, creating crucial overlaps that stretched Benin’s defensive line and opened vital channels for Salah and his strike partner. The emphasis on quick, vertical passing fostered fluidity, ultimately wearing down the West African side and tipping the balance in Egypt’s favor as the match moved into extra time.

Key moments underlined the impact of these adjustments. Salah’s decisive goal in the 102nd minute was a product of relentless team play and strategic positioning. A well-timed through ball from the midfield unlocked Benin’s backline, allowing Salah to break free and execute a clinical finish under pressure. Prior to this, a series of well-placed corners and set pieces kept Benin pinned back, highlighting Egypt’s superiority in dead-ball situations. Below is a breakdown of the pivotal tactical elements that swung the contest:

Formation Change: 4-3-3 to 3-5-2 to enhance midfield dominance
Wing-back Role: Aggressive overlaps to stretch defense
Set Piece Utilization: Sustained pressure through corners and free kicks
Key Player Movement: Salah’s intelligent positioning for goal-scoring opportunities

Player	Goals	Key Contribution
Mohamed Salah	1	Decisive extra-time goal
Benin Goalkeeper	0	Multiple crucial saves
Egypt Defense
Egypt Defense	0	Stifled Benin attacks throughout the match

Time	Event	Effect
75′	Formation switch to 3-5-2	Improved midfield control
80′	Effective wing-back overlaps	Created multiple attacking outlets
90+’	Corner set pieces pressure	Forced defensive errors
102′	Salah’s winning goal	Secured progression to last eight

Analyzing Egypt’s Path Forward: Strategic Recommendations for Maintaining Momentum

Egypt’s thrilling victory against Benin showcased not only the remarkable talent of Mohamed Salah but also exposed areas where the national team and football authorities can focus efforts to sustain this upward trajectory. To maintain momentum, it is imperative that the Egyptian Football Association invests in comprehensive youth development programs. These should emphasize technical skills, psychological resilience, and tactical versatility-ensuring a new generation of players emerges capable of performing under pressure. Additionally, strengthening domestic leagues by improving infrastructure and offering competitive incentives will help keep promising talents local before they make impactful moves abroad.

Strategic management off the pitch must mirror the dynamism seen in matches. Key recommendations include:

Enhanced scouting networks across North Africa to identify hidden gems early
Regular international friendlies with varied playing styles to boost adaptability
Investment in sports science and injury prevention to extend careers of top players

Together, these initiatives will solidify Egypt’s foothold among Africa’s elite while building a sustainable platform for success in AFCON and beyond.

Strategic management off the pitch must mirror the dynamism seen in matches. Key recommendations include:

Enhanced scouting networks across North Africa to identify hidden gems early

Regular international friendlies with varied playing styles to boost adaptability

Investment in sports science and injury prevention to extend careers of top players

Together, these initiatives will solidify Egypt’s foothold among Africa’s elite while building a sustainable platform for success in AFCON and beyond.

Focus Area	Action	Impact
Youth Development	Elite training centers nationwide	Pipeline of skilled players
Domestic League	Upgraded stadium facilities	Improved matchday experience

Focus Area

Action

Impact

Youth Development

Elite training centers nationwide

Pipeline of skilled players

Domestic League

Upgraded

How Salah’s Leadership Elevates Egypt’s Chances in the Upcoming AFCON Stages

Mohamed Salah’s leadership on the pitch was a decisive factor in Egypt’s thrilling victory over Benin. Beyond his match-winning goal in extra time, Salah’s ability to inspire and organize the team under pressure lifted the entire squad’s performance. His experience in high-stakes games provided the composure needed when the match seemed destined for penalties. Salah’s relentless work rate and tactical acumen galvanized Egypt, allowing the Pharaohs to assert control during critical moments.

Key elements of Salah’s leadership that elevated Egypt’s chances include:

Effective Communication: Directing teammates and maintaining team morale during the intense phases.
Strategic Positioning: Exploiting defensive weaknesses to create scoring opportunities.
Physical and Mental Resilience: Setting the tone and pace that kept Egypt dominant into extra time.

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In Conclusion

Mohamed Salah’s decisive goal not only secured Egypt’s hard-fought victory over Benin in extra time but also reaffirmed his status as a pivotal figure in the nation’s football history. As Egypt advances to the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals, the team’s resilience and determination will now be tested against even tougher opposition. With Salah leading the charge, hopes remain high that the Pharaohs can continue their pursuit of continental glory.