Nigeria's Danny Shittu, left, goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, and Mikel John Obi, far right, defend against Benin's Razak Omotoyossi (in white) Saturday. (Themba Hadebe/Associated Press)Egypt reached the quarter-finals at the African Cup of Nations on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Mozambique while Nigeria took a step toward advancing by beating Benin 1-0.
Egypt tops Group C with six points, three more than Nigeria. Mozambique and Benin have one point each.
Nigeria will advance by defeating Mozambique in the final group game. A tie will be enough if Benin loses to Egypt.
Mozambique defender Dario Khan scored an own-goal to put Egypt in front in the 47th minute.
Egypt substitute Mohammed Gedo scored from a left-footed volley in the 81st to complete the win.
After missing an early chance for Nigeria, Yakubu Aiyegbeni converted a penalty kick just before halftime by sending goalkeeper Rachad Chitou the wrong way.
The goal came after Romuald Boco was called for a hand ball on Peter Odemwingie's header in the box.
Nigeria, a World Cup qualifier, won for the first time in this year's tournament following a 3-1 loss to Egypt.
"We expected a tough game but this has helped to build our confidence," Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu said.
"The good side is that we showed our experience.
"We had to be cautious and guard against any mistakes because they were capable of punishing us."
