France, Jan. 5 -- Egypt have won the trophy a record seven times and have been beaten finalists on three occasions since the inception of the Cup of Nations in 1957. Benin have reached the quarter-finals once in four previous visits to Africa's most prestigious national team football tournament.

"To go far, we need to stay focused and disciplined," said Egypt boss Hossam Hassan on the eve of the clash in Agadir on Monday.

"The match against Benin will be difficult," added the 59-year-old who won three Cup of Nations crowns with Egypt during his 21-year international career.

"They are a competitive, well-organised team, and we have the utmost respect for them."

Football fans far from home in Paris come together for the Africa Cup of Na...