Gernot Rohr praises fighting spirit as Benin make AFCON exit

The Cheetahs took the Pharaohs to extra time when Jodel Dossou cancelled out Marwan Attia's 69th minute opener with his 83rd minute strike.

Goals from Yasser Ibrahim (97') and Mohamed Salah (124') ultimately sealed the win for the record seven-time AFCON winners, who will now play Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals.

Reflecting on the game, Rohr insisted the future is bright for Benin after a strong showing at the tournament.

He said on Flash Score: "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.

"When you look at the Egyptian individual players, we don't have the same level. Especially since our best striker, Steve Mounie, 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."