Players of Benin celebrate scoring during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations match between Benin and Morocco in Cairo, Egypt, on July 5, 2019. (Xinhua/Ahmed Gomaa)
CAIRO, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Benin roared into the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in their history on Friday, stunning favorites Morocco 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after extra time at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo.
Benin scored their penalties through Olivier Verdon, David Djilga, Anane Tidjani and Seibeou Mama.
The Atlas Lions scored only one of their penalties through Oussama Idrissi.
Benin qualified to the round of 16 as one of the best four third-placed teams after a 0-0 draw with defending champions Cameroon in their last group match.
Against Morocco, Benin pressed the opponents in their own half for most of the first half. In the second half, Benin broke deadlock and scored in the 54th minute through Moise Adilehou.
Morocco tied the score in the 76th minute. But they missed two brilliant chances to win the game.
Morocco were awarded a penalty in the final minute of regulation time, but star winger Hakim Ziyech saw his kick going wide.
With 13 minutes left in the extra time, Benin's Abdou Adenon was sent off for a second bookable offence.
