The Squirrels of Benin have become the first country at AFCON 2019 to book a place at the quarter final stage when they beat the Atlas Lions of Morocco 4-1 on penalties after extra time.
The two teams ended the 90 minutes at 1-1 and could not produce any goal during extra time.
The Squirrels took the lead in the first half but the Atlas Lions equalised in the second half.
Abudu Adenon of Benin was sent off after being shown two yellow cards for two bookable offences.
Morocco was awarded a penalty in the second half, but Ziyach missed by hitting the upright post.
The 10-man Beninois team defended gallantly in the face of incessant pressure from their Moroccan counterparts.
The extra time resumed with the Moroccans still pressurising their opponents in search for the winning goal but the Beninois remained resolute in defence.
This frustrated and thwarted efforts of the Moroccans to end the extra time still One-One.
While four players of Benin expertly converted their kicks during the penalty shoot outs, only one Moroccan player converted his kick as his two other colleagues missed theirs.
This is the first time the Squirrels of Benin have qualified for the quarter finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Benin qualified for the knockout stage of the competition alongside Ghana and Cameroon from Group F.
Ghana plays Tunisia on Monday. Kick off is at 7pm.
