Preview: Egypt Faces Benin in Crucial Africa Cup of Nations Group Stage Match

CAIRO (Interstat) — Egypt opens its Africa Cup of Nations campaign Monday against a Benin side seeking its first goal in nearly four months.

The Group D match, scheduled for Jan. 5, 2026, at Cairo International Stadium, pits the tournament hosts against a regional rival. According to Interstat’s game simulator, Egypt is projected to win 2-1.

The Pharaohs enter with momentum, unbeaten in their last four qualifiers. Their most recent result was a 1-0 home victory over Guinea-Bissau on Oct. 12, 2025. The Egyptian defense has been stout, conceding zero goals in its last three matches, including a 3-0 win at Djibouti and a 0-0 draw at Burkina Faso in September.

Benin, known as the Squirrels, faces a significant challenge. Its offense has stalled, failing to score in its last three official matches. Benin’s most recent outing was a 1-0 loss at DR Congo on Dec. 23, 2025. That followed a 4-0 defeat at Nigeria and a scoreless draw at Rwanda in October.

Earlier results show Benin’s potential, however, including consecutive 4-0 victories over Lesotho and a 1-0 win against Zimbabwe in September 2025.

Egypt, a record seven-time Cup of Nations champion, will lean on its home-field advantage and defensive solidity. Benin will aim to break its scoring drought and disrupt the hosts’ rhythm to secure a vital point in group play.

This match is the first of three for Egypt in the tournament’s group stage. Following the AFCON, Egypt’s schedule includes high-profile friendlies against Belgium on June 15, 2026, in Brussels, New Zealand on June 21 in Auckland, and a home match against Iran on June 26.

Monday’s winner will gain an early edge in the pursuit of a knockout stage berth.