Topics: AFCON, Egypt, Benin, Morocco, Sofiane Boufal
The Squirrels have pulled off one of AFCON 2019 's biggest upsets.

Extraordinary turn of events in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 clash between Morocco and Benin has resulted in the later qualifying to the quarterfinals for the first time in its history.

The drama endured from the very start to the end of the keenly contested encounter and the result would have been different had the Atlas Lions been more clinical. With the first half ending in a goalless draw, the North Africans were made to fight back after the Squirrels took a surprise lead in the 54th minute through Adilehou.

The resilience of Morocco was duly rewarded as En-Nesyri managed to grab his team's equalizer in the 76th-minute. Moments later, Herve Renard's side was dealt a massive heartbreak with Ajax's Hakim Ziyech squandering a glorious opportunity to seal qualification for his country by missing a spot-kick six minutes into additional time.

With the game consequently heading to extra-time, the task was further complicated for Benin who had Khaled Adenon sent off for an argument with the referee. Still, both sides could not add to their respective tallies upon the conclusion of affairs.

In the penalty shoot-outs, goalscorer Youssef En-Nesyri and former Southampton star Sofiane Boufal all missed, resulting in a 4-1 victory for Benin. Against all odds, the Squirrels booked their ticket to a first-ever appearance in the quarter-final of the Africa Cup of Nations without winning a single game in 90 minutes.

Micheal Dusseyer's men could potential meet Senegal of Uganda in their next outing.