AFCON 2025: Yasser Ibrahim shines as Egypt see off Benin

Yasser Ibrahim put in a rock solid display at the back and then became the hero at the other end, scoring the goal that carried Egypt to a 3–1 extra time win over Benin in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16 in Agadir. The Pharaohs had to dig deep, but their experienced centre-back rose to the occasion when it mattered most.After a tense first half, Egypt finally broke the deadlock through Marwan Attia’s superb strike into the top corner midway through the second half. Benin refused to give up and hit back late on through Jodel Dossou, forcing the game into extra time and briefly silencing the Egyptian fans.Early in extra time, Ibrahim powered home a towering header from a corner, steering the ball into the top left corner to restore Egypt’s lead and swing the momentum back their way. In the dying seconds, Mohamed Salah settled any nerves with a precise left-footed shot from distance to make it 3–1.Ibrahim’s defensive composure, aerial dominance, and match-winning goal earned him Man of the Match, as Egypt booked their place in the AFCON quarterfinals.