Egypt crush Benin 3–1, seal quarter-final spot

Egypt were pushed to the limit before securing a 3–1 extra-time victory over Benin to book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

The seven-time champions, who qualified from the group stage with a game to spare, were strong favourites but were made to work hard by a spirited Benin side over 120 minutes in Agadir.

Marwen Attia broke the deadlock in the 69th minute with a stunning long-range strike after meeting a cutback from Mohamed Hany.

In a match reported by The Independent, Benin refused to fold and were rewarded in the 83rd minute when substitute Jodel Dossou tapped in after Mohamed El Shenawy parried Junior Olaitan’s dangerous cross into his path.

The turning point came early in extra time when Yasser Ibrahim powered home a header from a well-worked corner to restore Egypt’s lead.

As Benin tired in the closing stages, Mohamed Salah put the result beyond doubt, firing in Egypt’s third with almost the final kick of the game.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.