Sports
Egypt vs Benin: AFCON prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h results, odds
The Pharaohs, led by Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, are seeking a record-extending eighth AFCON title in Morocco and first since achieving an unprecedented third in a row in 2010.
Egypt were stunned in the last 16 on penalties by DR Congo in Ivory Coast in 2024 and will be eager to ensure there is no such repeat this time around, having pipped South Africa to top spot in Group B.
Looking to cause an upset is Benin, appearing at only their fourth AFCON who claimed a first-ever win at the finals when they beat Botswana 1-0 either side of defeats by DR Congo and Senegal, the latter of whom brushed them aside 3-0.
That three points was enough to see them progress as the second-ranked of the best four third-place finishers who joined the 12 group winners and runners-up in the last 16.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Egypt vs Benin is scheduled for a 4pm GMT kick-off on Monday January 5, 2026. That is 6pm in Egypt and 5pm in both Benin and Morocco.
The match will take place at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir.
Where to watch Egypt vs Benin
TV channel: In the UK, every match at this AFCON tournament is being shown live across Channel 4’s network.
This game will be broadcast on 4seven, with coverage starting at 6:55pm GMT.
Live stream: You can also stream the game live online via the official Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel or through Channel 4’s official website and app.
Live blog: Follow all the action on Monday as it happens with Standard Sport’s live blog.
First-choice right-back Mohamed Hany will be available again for Egypt having served his one-match ban after being sent off against South Africa on the stroke of half-time for two bookable offences. He should come straight back into the starting lineup.
Hassan should reverse his sweeping changes made against Angola, with the key attacking trio of Salah, Omar Marmoush and Trezeguet all well rested after remaining unused substitutes in that game.
Rested: Neither Salah nor Omar Marmoush came off the bench for Egypt against Angola
AFP via Getty Images
Benin boss Gernot Rohr was missing a number of key players against DR Congo in their opener, but the likes of former Huddersfield striker Steve Mounie, the captain, returned for the win over Botswana, along with Marcel Dandjinou, Mohamed Tijani and Junior Olaitan.
The Cheetahs made only one change between the Botswana and Senegal games, with Egypt-based midfielder Samadou Attidjikou drafted in to replace Sessi D’Almeida, who was said to be experiencing muscle pain and left out as a precaution.
Egypt vs Benin prediction
It is extremely difficult to look past Egypt here, given their vastly superior squad depth and firepower.
Salah and Marmoush should both be fresh after being given a break against Angola and ready to lead the seven-time AFCON winners back to the quarter-finals.
But Benin should not be totally written off, having reached the last eight on their last appearance in 2019 in Egypt after stunning Morocco on penalties in the last 16.
They also pushed South Africa and Nigeria very hard in World Cup qualifying before seeing their maiden qualification hopes dashed during the last round of fixtures.
Egypt have somewhat bizarrely alternated between making the final and being ousted in the first knockout round over the last four editions and can falter badly if not properly engaged and prepared. But we expect no such concerns here.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Benin have never previously beaten Egypt, with their best result so far being a 3-3 draw in World Cup qualifying back in 2004.
The Pharaohs have won all of the last three games, scoring 11 goals in that span and conceding only one.
Egypt vs Benin match odds
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
