2019 AFCON: Unsung Benin dump Morocco from tournament, reach first ever quarter-final
Cairo, Egypt (PANA) - Unsung Benin performed a giant-killing feat at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Egypt when they dumped high-flying Morocco from the competition on penalties in their Round of 16 match played on Friday at the Al Salam stadium in Cairo.
The small West African country, by their 4-1 victory on penalties after the match ended 1-1 after extra time, thus reach their first ever quarter finals of the African football fiesta.
The Moroccans had won all their three Group D matches against Cote d'Ivoire, South Africa and Namibia and were expected to sail through against Benin, who only made it by being one of the four best third-placed teams.
But on Friday, the 10-man Benin turned the form guide upside down and eliminated the more fancied Moroccans. K. Adonon collected his second yellow card of the match and was this sent off.
After a goalless first half, Benin's Squirrels went ahead in the 53rd minute when Moise Adilehou connected home a corner kick.
The wounded Atlas Lions roared into action and pulled even through Youssef En-Nesyri in the 76th minute, as the dominated the match.
And they had the brightest opportunity to seal victory when they were awarded a penalty kick with only a few seconds to the end of regulation time, but fluffed the chance.
Hakim Ziyech sent the Benin goalkeeper the wrong way, but the shot struck the post and rebounded into play.
The 30 minutes extra time produced no goals and the fate of the two teams was decided on penalties.
While Benin scored from their first four kicks, Morocco managed only one as the Benin side produced a major shock of the 32nd edition of the tournament.
-0- PANA MA 5July2019
