Catch up with all the action from Egypt vs Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16
Egypt booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals after extra time with a 3-1 win over Benin.
It was a nervy end to the game, with the underdogs grabbing a late equaliser, but two goals in the extra 30 minutes – including from Mohamed Salah, was enough to seal the win.
The first half was scrappy and stop-start, with several fouls and injuries disrupting any rhythm.
Egypt saw early efforts from Salah and Omar Marmoush blocked, while Benin threatened sporadically on the break, most notably through Aiyegun Tosin and Junior Olaitan.
But both sides went into the interval scoreless after a physical opening 45 minutes that produced multiple yellow cards.
Egypt took control after the restart and broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Marwan Attia struck from outside the box, curling a right-footed effort into the top corner.
Benin responded well and were rewarded in the 83rd minute, as Jodel Dossou converted from close range after sustained pressure to level the match and force extra time.
The momentum swung back in Egypt’s favour during the first period of extra time. From a corner in the 97th minute, Yasser Ibrahim rose highest to head home and restore Egypt’s lead.
Benin pushed forward in search of another equaliser but struggled to create clear chances.
Any lingering doubt was removed deep into stoppage time when Salah finished a fast break with a low left-footed strike from outside the box to make it 3-1. Egypt saw out the remaining seconds to secure a hard-fought extra-time win, to the relief of everyone on the pitch and sideline.
