Mohamed Salah says Egypt are not favourites despite reaching quarter finals, stressing unity and effort after extra-time win.

Egypt forward Mohamed Salah has played down his country’s chances of winning the Africa Cup of Nations, insisting the team will continue fighting despite not being among the favourites.

Salah spoke after scoring Egypt’s third goal in a 3 to 1 extra time victory over Benin on Monday, a result that sealed their place in the quarter finals of the tournament in Morocco.

The Liverpool forward said expectations should be tempered, pointing to the youthfulness of the squad and limited top level experience among several players.

“I don’t think we are favourites at all (to win the title)” Salah told reporters.

“We have young players, and most of them play in Egypt. We just fight for our country… but everybody gives their best and you could see today”.

Hossam Hassan’s side are chasing a first AFCON title since 2010 and a record eighth overall, but Salah stressed that no match in the competition is straightforward.

“The level is quite similar, I told the team yesterday that no side loses by four or five goals. (Benin) have a good team and a good coach… I’m glad we managed to win in the end”.

The 33 year old has now scored 10 goals in 22 AFCON appearances, two fewer than Egypt’s all time tournament top scorer Hassan El Shazly and one behind current coach Hassan.

Egypt will face defending champions Ivory Coast or Burkina Faso in the quarter finals in Agadir on Saturday. (ARISE NEWS)

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