Egypt has advanced to the AFCON quarterfinals in 10 of their last 11 tournaments, showcasing consistent performance. Mohamed Salah's 10th AFCON goal underlined his importance in the 3-1 extra-time win over Benin. This match in Agadir highlighted the team's resilience.
Match Breakdown
The game remained goalless until the 70th minute when Marwan Attia curled a stunning strike from 25 meters.
Benin equalized in the 83rd minute through Jodel Dossou's rebound finish.
Extra time saw Yasser Ibrahim head Egypt back in front in the 97th minute from a corner routine.
Salah sealed the victory in the 124th minute with a composed lift over the goalkeeper.
According to Olympics.com, Egypt dominated extra time, finding another gear against a resilient Benin side.
Key Player Performances
Salah contributed with an assist setup and the decisive goal, earning praise for his leadership.
He completed 5 successful dribbles and created 3 chances, per match stats.
Teammate Attia's long-range goal shifted momentum in Egypt's favor.
Benin's Dossou posed threats but couldn't prevent defeat.
Expert Analysis and Quotes
Salah stated after the match,
We were stronger physically during the game, but it was a balanced contest.
According to Ahram Online, he emphasized Egypt's contender status despite a domestically based squad.
He added,
I am happy to secure the victory and book a place in the quarter-finals.
Analysis from ESPN notes the bruising encounter, where Benin aggressively challenged Egypt's stars.
The Pharaohs needed extra time to overcome the Cheetahs' defensive setup.
Next, Egypt faces the winner of Côte d’Ivoire vs. Burkina Faso.
The Rise of NFTs in Football
High-profile performances like Salah's often boost interest in non-fungible tokens tied to players.
Liverpool's 2022 NFT collection featured Salah as a superhero, with one selling for over $80,000, per City A.M.
Such digital collectibles allow fans to own unique player moments on blockchain.
Trends show NFTs enhancing fan engagement through exclusive perks and trading.
According to Pulse Sports, NFTs and fan tokens integrate into players' brands, driving riches.
Salah's Wrapped Strikers Iconics NFT ranks among top football sales at $141,560, as listed in a 2023 report.
Impact on Fan Engagement
AFCON 2025 features immersive fan zones extending beyond stadiums, incorporating digital tech.
NFTs provide actionable value, like access to virtual meetups or collectible highlights.
Teams use them for sponsorships and global reach, per Forbes' economic impact analysis.
Salah's consistent scoring—three goals in three starts—could elevate his digital asset values.
Fans benefit from educational insights into blockchain ownership.
Looking Ahead
Egypt's squad, with only three Europe-based players, defies expectations.
Salah tipped the team as title contenders, countering focus on hosts Morocco.
This win builds momentum for deeper tournament runs.
NFTs add a modern layer to football's appeal, linking on-field action to digital economies.
The article highlights how stellar performances like Salah's not only advance teams but also amplify interest in NFTs, offering fans new ways to engage with the sport.
