AFCON: Benin coach explains why Egypt prevailed in Round of 16 tie

Benin national team coach Gernot Rohr has conceded the level of Egyptian players played a key role in their exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Round of 16 on Monday.

The Pharaohs booked their place in the quarterfinals after defeating the Cheetahs 3-1 after extra time on Monday at the Grand Stade d’Agadir. It was Mohamed Salah, who put the result beyond doubt by finishing a counter-attacking move to score Egypt’s third goal.

‘I saw a good football match’

“What we saw was a match that was a fight, a real battle, while still playing football. Two teams engaged in a tough contest. I saw a good football match,” Rohr told CAF Media.

“When you look at the Egyptian individual players, we don’t have the same level. Especially since our best striker, Steve Mounié, was missing. I regret his absence, because in a match like this he would have helped us a lot, particularly in aerial play.

“But as head coach, I am proud of my players. I take away their attitude tonight, their solidarity and fighting spirit. That is very positive for the future of the Cheetahs.”

Egypt player Yasser Ibrahim, who won man of the match, said: “It was not an easy match. Benin were a good team. They scored during a difficult period for us, but we managed to regain control.

“We knew Benin had strong qualities. I think we dropped a bit in the last ten minutes and they took advantage of that. But the team responded well and now we are already thinking about the next match.”

The Pharaohs will face the winner of the tie between African champions Ivory Cpast and Burkina Faso in the quarterfinal.