Record AFCON winners Egypt take on Benin at the Adrar Stadium on Monday looking to book a spot in the quarterfinals.
The Group B winners remain unbeaten thus far, winning their opening two games against Zimbabwe and South Africa, before being held to a barren draw by Angola.
They take on a Benin side who are featuring in the round of 16 for only the second time in their nations history, after qualifying as one of the best third-place teams.
Hossam Hassan, a three-time AFCON champion as a player with Egypt, is desperate to avoid yet another round of 16 elimination in Monday nights clash.
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Benin’s 1-0 win over Botswana in the group stage was their first ever win in regular time at the continental showpiece. They are famously remembered for stunning hosts Morocco 4-1 on penalties in the 2019 edition after the match ended 1-1 in regular time.
Egypt is a whole other North African giant standing in their way and Benin are hoping they can repeat their rare success to mark yet another historic achievement for Gernot Rohr’s side.
With a place in the quarters at stake, we have a look at all key details of the match and offer our predicted outcome.
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Team news
The Egyptians are expected to revert to a back four here after fielding five defenders in their last two matches. Mohamed Hany is also back from suspension and will start in defense.
Attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Trezeguet and Omar Marmoush were all rested against Angola but are set to return to the starting XI here.
For Benin, Abdoul Rachid Moumini is suspended, while Sessi D’Almeida is a doubt through injury. Steve Mounie has failed to make his mark at this edition but will lead the attacking line, supported by Junior Olaitan and Aiyegun Tosin.
Head-to-head and current form
With only one defeat in their last five matches, the Pharaohs come into the match as favorites.
They have also never lost a competitive match against Benin, who have only managed one win in their last five games.
Current form
Egypt – DWWWL
Benin – LWLLL
Previous games
Egypt 2-0 Benin (Jan 20, 2010)
Egypt 5-1 Benin (Nov 19, 2008)
Egypt 4-1 Benin (Sept 4, 2005)
Benin 3-3 Egypt (July 4, 2004)
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Prediction
The Pharaohs have kept two clean sheets from their three group games, while Benin’s only goal in the tournament came in the 1-0 win over Botswana. Egypt are tipped as favorites to win this match convincingly.
A home win @1.25 odds is the most favorable outcome.
Photo: Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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