Egypt progressed to the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations with a 100 per cent record after beating Benin 2-0 in their final Group C fixture.

First-half goals from Ahmed El Mohamady and Emad Moteab ensured Benin's elimination from the competition and maintained Egypt's perfect start. It was a big ask from Benin, who needed to beat Egypt and for Nigeria to lose to stand any chance of progressing from Group C.

The Pharaohs started strongly, dominating the early possession from the moment Benin lost the ball from a sloppy kick-off. And Egypt took the lead after just eight minutes through El Mohamady, taking the ball deep on the right-hand side and whipping in a cross from more than 30 yards out. The ball appeared to catch the breeze and instead of curling towards the strikers, looped over the head of goalkeeper Yoann Djidonou.

Benin had a chance to amend this surprise goal when Hossam Ghaly gave the ball away cheaply four minutes later and, with Essam El Hadari well off his line, gave Pascal Angan the chance to chip for goal. Angan's shot had the height but with El Hadari scrambling back he was relieved to see the ball bounce wide.

Egypt sealed the tie after just 23 minutes, when they doubled their lead. Hassan produced a fine initial cross and, and from the parry Moteab was able to slide the ball over the line from an acute angle despite a desperate attempt from the goalkeeper to claw it out.

Which meant the reigning African Cup of Nations champions, progressed to the quarter-finals joining Nigeria from Group C.