Egypt advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals as Mohamed Salah earned an extra-time win against Benin on Monday, and Nigeria defeated Mozambique in their last-16 match with Victor Osimhen scoring twice.
After Jodel Dossou scored on a rebound in the 83rd minute to tie the game in normal time on Monday, the Pharaohs dug in. Egypt dominated early until Marwan Attia scored in the 69th.
Yasser Ibrahim headed Attia’s cross into the top left corner in the seventh minute of extra time. Zizo set up Salah to strike past Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou from outside the penalty box to finish a counterattack. That was his third tournament goal.
Egypt, who have played every game in Agadir, will stay for a quarterfinal on Saturday against Burkina Faso or defending champion Ivory Coast, who met on Tuesday. Benin reached the last 16 after beating Botswana 1-0 in the group stage.
On Monday, Omar Marmoush broke through early before Benin goalie Dandjinou stopped him. Dandjinou understood his hectic game. The Pharaohs kept pressing as Yohan Roche cleared the line. Benin settled down and stopped any other clear chances. Mohamed Salah and Marmoush were barred.
Egypt lost a left back before halftime. After his foot hit Dokou Dodo’s head, Mohamed Hamdy was taken off on a stretcher with a devastating left knee injury. Dodo was fine, but Hamdy hid his eyes as he was carried out while teammates cheered.
Attia curled the ball into the upper left corner with his boot after Mohamed Hany brought the ball out behind the penalty area. However, Dossou sent the game to extra time after Mohamed El Shenawy could only claw at Junior Olaitan’s deflected shot.
An extra day of relaxation will give the Pharaohs a chance to win a record seventh title. Monday night in Fez, Nigeria played Mozambique. As they entered the stadium, the Super Eagles sang and danced. The last 16 victor will play Algeria or Congo in Rabat on Tuesday in the quarterfinals.
Mali and Senegal play the first quarterfinal on Friday, followed by Morocco and Cameroon.
