Idrissa Gueye wary of surprise package Benin

Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye says his side will have to be at their best to overcome unbeaten Benin in the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Senegal are the 2.75 favourites to win the tournament outright and are 1.50 to beat Benin, but Gueye says they cannot afford to underestimate their last-eight opponents.

Benin downed Morocco on penalties in the previous round and managed draws with heavyweights Ghana and Cameroon in the group stages, and Gueye expects the Lions of Teranga to face a stern test as they bid to book a place in the semi-finals.

“Concerning Benin’s victory against Morocco, we were not surprised because they are yet to lose any match since the tournament began,” the Everton midfielder told Goal.

“They have lots of qualities. They defend very well. Now, it’s left for us not to underestimate them and play with our qualities as well in order to win them.”

Senegal secured a place in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Uganda thanks to Sadio Mane’s first-half effort.

Mane is 2.80 to finish as the top goalscorer at the African Cup of Nations 2019, Nigeria forward Odion Ighalo is 3.40 and Algeria’s Adam Ounas is 6.00 – with all three currently level on three goals so far. Senegal are 5.25 to beat Benin 2-0 when the pair meet in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.