The Pharaohs secured qualification for the quarter-finals after an intense extra-time 3-1 victory against the Cheetahs at the Grand Stade d’Agadir. The Round of 16 fixture remained balanced for a very long period.
After a 0-0 first half, it was Egypt who took the lead when Marwan Attia scored from a move initiated by Mohamed Salah. With Egypt headed to secure victory, Benin responded to level matters with seven minutes left when Jodel Dossou struck following a defensive lapse.
Dossou’s effort took the game into extra-time. However, with Benin attacking to score from a corner, Egypt initiated a counter-attack which found Salah. The Liverpool forward touched the ball once before unleashing a left-footed effort into the net.
‘Benin were tough opponent’
Speaking after the game, Hassan, who is Egypt’s all-time top scorer with 69 goals in 177 appearances, told reporters: “It was a very difficult match. Before the game, I said there are no easy teams, and Benin were a tough opponent.
“We work to analyse every opponent in order to adapt our game. Egypt is a great football team and I want to make my people happy. I trust my team and my staff, especially the medical staff, to ensure good recovery before the next match.”
On the injury suffered by Mohamed Hamdy, he said: “We are sad about the injury to Hamdy, which seems serious. His teammates played for him. We are mentally prepared to play either 90 minutes or extra time.”
Hassan’s sentiments were echoed by Yasser Ibrahim, who won man of the match. He said: “It was not an easy match. Benin was a good team. They scored during a difficult period for us, but we managed to regain control.
“We knew Benin had strong qualities. I think we dropped a bit in the last ten minutes and they took advantage of that. But the team responded well and now we are already thinking about the next match.”
Benin coach Gernot Rohr admitted their efforts to win the game was undone by the experienced players in the Egypt squad.
“What we saw was a match that was a fight, a real battle, while still playing football. Two teams engaged in a tough contest. I saw a good football match,” said the former Nigeria coach.
“When you look at the Egyptian individual players, we don’t have the same level. Especially since our best striker, Steve Mounié, was missing. I regret his absence, because in a match like this he would have helped us a lot, particularly in aerial play.
“But as head coach, I am proud of my players. I take away their attitude tonight, their solidarity and fighting spirit. That is very positive for the future of the Cheetahs.”
While the defeat ended Benin’s journey, Egypt progressed and will face the winner of the tie between African champions Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in the last eight.
