EGYPT progressed to the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations with a 100 per cent record after beating Benin 2-0 in their final Group C fixture.
The Pharaohs are seeking a third consecutive African Cup of Nations title, and seventh overall, after failing to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa following a play-off defeat to Algeria.
Egypt went into the fixture with a quarter-final spot guaranteed following victories in their first two games while Benin had to win and hope Nigeria lost to Mozambique in order to qualify.
And despite Egypt making six changes to the side which defeated Nigeria 3-1, the form book remained true with Ahmed El Mohamady and Emad Moteab’s first half goals sealing victory.
Hassan Shehata’s side dominated from the off and took only seven minutes to move into the lead courtesy of a howler from Benin goalkeeper Yoann Djidonou.
El Mohamady, who has attracted the interest of Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland, crossed from the right and caught Djidonou off-guard, who could only watch as the ball sailed over his head and into the back of the net.
Egypt did not have it all their own way and Pascal Angan should have equalised but could not keep his attempted lob over stranded keeper Essam El Hadari on target.
And Angan was left to rue that miss when Egypt doubled their lead after 24 minutes.
Djidonou could only palm Ahmed Raouf’s header on to the post and Moteab, despite the best efforts of a defender on the line, fired in the rebound from close range.
It could have been three just four minutes later but Raouf could only direct his header straight at Djidonou.
Benin’s best move came nine minutes before the break when Koukou exchanged passes with Seka on the edge of the box but the midfielder fluffed his lines and failed to connect with his shot.
Egypt were happy to keep possession after half-time but continued to create chances with Moteab forcing a good save from Djidonou after being played through down the left channel.
Frenchman Michel Dussuyer’s Benin side almost reduced the deficit after 66 minutes when substitute Mohame Aoudou’s header was tipped over the bar by El Hadari.
And with Benin going for broke, Aoudou missed another golden opportunity when he could only side-foot Muri Ogunbiyi’s low cross wide from eight yards out.
But Egypt would have added to their tally not for a hat-trick of saves from Djidonou, making amends for earlier errors, and some wayward shooting.
And Benin’s fate was never in doubt with Nigeria beating Mozambique 3-0 and the Squirrels continuing to hold their record of never qualifying for the knockout stages of the African Cup of Nations. — Eurosport
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