SOCCER: Egypt survive Benin scare to reach Cup of Nations quarter-finals

AGADIR, Morocco – Yasser Ibrahim’s superb header and Mohamed Salah's late breakaway strike secured a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory for record seven-time champions Egypt over Benin in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 on Monday.

Egypt initially took the lead in the 69th minute through a brilliant 25-meter strike from Marwan Attia. However, Benin fought back and forced the match into extra time with a late equalizer from Jodel Dossou.

In extra time, defender Ibrahim scored his first international goal in the 97th minute, connecting with Attia's cross with a header from 15 yards that looped into the top corner of the net. Salah then sealed the win with a composed finish on the final kick of the game.

“It was a very difficult match; Benin are a tough opponent,” Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said. “We are mentally prepared to play for 90 minutes or extra time. I have confidence in my team and staff, especially the medical team, for proper recovery of the players before the next match.”

Benin’s energy and never-say-die spirit tested Egypt’s more composed artistry throughout the match. Omar Marmoush had a one-on-one chance with Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou but delayed his shot, allowing the keeper to make the save. Marmoush later tried to poke in a loose ball, but defender Yohan Roche cleared it off the line.

Egypt finally broke the deadlock when Attia received the ball outside the box and curled a stunning shot into the top corner.

Benin equalized with just eight minutes remaining in regulation time, aided by a touch of luck. Junior Olaitan’s cross from the right took a deflection off Ahmed Fatouh, and although Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy made a superb save, Dossou managed to bundle the ball over the line from close range.

In extra time, Ibrahim restored Egypt’s lead before Salah raced clear in the 124th minute and produced a composed finish from 25 meters past the backpedaling goalkeeper.

“When you compare the individual talents of the Egyptians, it’s not the same as Benin,” Benin coach Gernot Rohr said. “Especially since our best striker, Steve Mounie, was missing. In a match like this, he would have helped us a lot.”

Egypt left back Mohamed Hamdi was substituted at halftime due to a possible serious knee injury, according to coach Hassan.

Egypt will face either defending champions Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals in Agadir on Saturday.

-Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters