Egypt have moved from group stage control to knockout stage jeopardy, with a loaded bracket involving the two previous AFCON champions.

Following the competition’s group stage conclusion and the announcement of all Round of 16 fixtures, the draw put the Pharaohs on a collision course with reigning champions Cote d’Ivoire, and, potentially, Senegal, before the tournament reaches its decisive weekend.

Egypt topped Group B with seven points, following wins over Zimbabwe and South Africa and a closing 0–0 draw with Angola.

Round of 16: Egypt vs Benin in Agadir

Egypt will face Benin in the round of 16 on Monday, 5 January 2026, Grand Stade d’Agadir in Agadir.

Benin reached the knockout phase as a third-placed finisher in Group D, behind Senegal and DR Congo, setting up a matchup that many see as a winnable opening step, provided Egypt avoid the complacency that has undone heavyweights in past editions.

A quarter-final that could bring Côte d’Ivoire

If Hossam Hassan’s men get past Benin, the bracket points toward a quarter-final in Agadir on Saturday, 10 January.

That storyline, however, is less about the clock and more about the opponent. Cote d’Ivoire, the AFCON reigning champions, have been set a round-of-16 meeting with Burkina Faso, a tie that could decide whether Egypt’s route tightens immediately or offers a different kind of test.

Senegal on the same side of the draw

Furthermore, Senegal poses another significant threat. They also topped their group, and the last time these two teams faced off in AFCON, Senegal defeated Egypt to claim the trophy.

Key dates ahead

  • Round of 16: Monday, 5 January, 18:00, Agadir (Egypt vs Benin)
  • Quarter-finals: 9–10 January (Egypt would play Saturday, 10 January, 21:00, if they advance)
  • Semi-finals: Wednesday, 14 January
  • Final: Sunday, 18 January

For Hossam Hassan, the immediate task is straightforward. Get through Benin without drama. The bracket, however, does not offer Egypt the luxury of easing into the business end, because the champions, and possibly Senegal, are waiting to turn a “favourable” draw into a familiar AFCON ambush.