Group B winners Egypt face the Republic of Benin on Monday at Stade Adrar, with a place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals up for grabs.
The Pharaohs collected seven points in the group stage to finish top of their pool, but they have not been entirely dominant so far when the manner of their results is taken into account.
The seven-time AFCON champions needed a stoppage-time strike from Mohamed Salah to edge past Zimbabwe in their opener before relying on another penalty from the Liverpool forward to secure maximum points against South Africa on matchday two.
It was therefore no major surprise that a heavily rotated Egypt side failed to take all three points in their final group game against Angola, though they enter this knockout clash refreshed and eager to impose themselves as they look to move a step closer to ending their long wait for continental glory.
Egypt last lifted the AFCON trophy in 2010 and have since lost two finals, while their most recent campaign ended in disappointment with a penalty shootout exit against DR Congo in the round of 16, so burying those ghosts will be firmly on the agenda here.
Benin, meanwhile, have reached the knockout stages only once before, doing so in 2021 when they exited at the quarter-final stage.
The Cheetahs booked their place in this edition’s round of 16 as one of the best third-placed sides, picking up a solitary victory against Botswana on matchday two, sandwiched between defeats to DR Congo and Senegal.
How the bookies view it: Egypt clear favourites
Egypt are strong favourites heading into this encounter, with their 4/9 odds at Bet365 reflecting a significant gap to Benin, who are priced at 11/2, while the draw is available at 14/5.
Recent head-to-head: Egypt dominance
Egypt are unbeaten in the four previous meetings between the two nations, winning three of those encounters, with all coming with multi-goal margins.
Players to watch: Salah fully recharged
Mohamed Salah appears to have put his club distractions behind him and has delivered at this AFCON, scoring both winning goals in Egypt’s group-stage victories.
Rested on matchday three, the forward returns refreshed and in form, having netted eight times in his last 10 international appearances. Backed to find the net again, Salah to score anytime is priced at 11/10 with Bet365.
Probable lineups
Mohanad Lasheen was forced off during Egypt’s draw with Angola, leaving his availability in doubt.
Head coach Hossam Hassan is expected to recall key attackers Salah, Omar Marmoush and Trezeguet after resting them last time out, while Mohamed Hany returns following a one-match suspension.
Benin, on the other hand, will be without defender Abdoul Moumini, who is suspended for accumulation of bookings.
Egypt: El Shenawy; Hany, Ibrahim, Rabia, Hamdi; Attia, Fathy, Zizo; Salah, Marmoush, Trezeguet
Benin: Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; Imourane, Attidjikou; Tosin, Dodo, Olaitan; Mounie
Anything else that catches the eye?
Each of Benin’s last five matches has produced a first-half goal, suggesting early action could be on the cards once again. Over 0.5 first-half goals is priced at 1/2 with Bet365.
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