Egypt coach Hossam Hassan is not underestimating their Benin opponent ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations last 16 clash on Monday.
The high-stake much between Egypt and Benin has been scheduled to take place at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir, with both teams seeking for victory to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
“We are at a very important stage for the Egyptian national team and our ambition during the African Cup of Nations is to overcome Benin, whom we respect and appreciate, and certainly their reaching the round of 16 was not a coincidence.” He said at the pre-match conference.
“The Benin national team played brilliantly during the World Cup qualifiers, but we have a great ambition to make the Egyptian people happy,” he stressed.
“We have been working during the past period on the strengths and weaknesses of the Benin national team, and I trust the national team players to achieve what we are striving for.”
“It is not my habit to underestimate any opponent, even when I was a player. In my view, there is no easy team, especially with African players playing professionally in Europe. For me, facing Benin is like the Africa Cup of Nations final.” He concluded.
Benin finished third with 3 points, securing qualification as one of the best 4 third-placed teams, while Senegal topped the group with 7 points, leading on goal difference over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Egypt, on the other hand, topped Group B following an impressive performance in the group stages.
