The Pharaohs continue making their case as favorites for a three-peat at the Cup of Nations, getting two first half goals against Benin, closing Group C with a perfact nine points after their 2-0 win Wednesday.
Both goals were remarkable, with Egypt going up in the eighth minute through Ahmed El Modamady.
The Egypt right back chipped a ball towards goal from along the right flank, 35-meters out. Catching Yaonn Djidonou off his line, the ball was perfectly played in the goal’s upper-right hand corner for the opening score.
Djidonou was Benin’s number one to start the Cup of Nations but was replaced for the second match because of errors leading to two goals in Benin’s opening match against Mozambique. He was brought on in the Nigeria match when Rachad Chitou was injured and committed an early error upon being reinserted in the starting XI.
Egypt’s second goal came off a prototypical Pharaoh dash, with Emad Moteeb benefitting from a controversial (if inconclusive) call.
A saved ball came through the box to Moteeb, who shot the ball toward the middle of a seemingly empty goal. Djidonou initially seemed to get back and save the shot, though the linesman ruled that the ball had gone over the line, giving Egypt their second goal, 23 minutes into the match.
The two-time defending champions would remain the more dangerous team throughout, maintain control of the match that would give them three wins in three out of Group C.
Egypt is the only team that will go into the quarterfinals on a one hundred percent record.
Benin finishes the tournament with one point, holding onto third place by virtue of their goal differential advantage over Mozambique.
In the quarterfinals, Egypt will face the second place finisher in Group D.
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