Egypt vs Benin Preview: Team News & Prediction
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The most successful team in African football, Egypt, are trying for more success in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations as they take on an improving Benin side in the round of 16.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Matches will be televised across the Channel 4 network / USA – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – All 4 & Channel 4 Sport YouTube / USA – beIN Sports Connect & Fubo
Egypt preview: Impressive and improved Egyptians
Under the management of Hossam Hassan, Egypt have been much-improved in the last couple of years and the seven-time African champions came through the group stages of the competition without a defeat.
After edging past Zimbabwe by two goals to one in their opening game, they then saw South Africa off by a goal to nil when down to ten men, before a rotated side shared a goalless draw with Angola the other day.
Benin preview: A strong year for Benin
In qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Benin showed some real spirit and went into the final round of fixtures in the hunt but they eventually succumbed to two defeats and finished below both Nigeria and the South Africans.
Their improvement has continued into this campaign, though, with Benin squeezing through a tough group, consisting of both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Senegal, in third place.
Egypt team news: Hany returns
The stars of the show for the Pharaohs are Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush but they are able to welcome right-back Mohamed Hany back from his suspension.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Hamdi; Attia, Zizo, Fathy; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet
Unavailable:
Questionable:
Benin team news: Nothing fresh
There are no fresh injury concerns or suspension issues for Benin to deal with in the knockout stages, albeit Neftchi Baku midfielder Sessi D’Almeida remains sidelined.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; Imourane, Samadou; Tosin, Dodo, Olaitan; Mounie
Unavailable: D’Almeida (Injured)
Questionable:
Egypt vs Benin prediction
Their front three of Salah, Marmoush and former Aston Villa winger Trezeguet is among the very best in the tournament and a tight defence has helped Egypt become one of the most effective teams on the continent once again. Benin have been improved in the last year or so but, as shown at their end of that WCQ campaign, as well as a 3-0 loss to Senegal in their final AFCON group game, has shown their limitations and Egypt are expected to progress into the quarter-finals with relative ease.
Egypt vs Benin tip: Egypt to win
