Algeria have become the first team to reach next year's African Cup of Nations finals in Morocco after crushing Malawi 3-0 at home on Wednesday to maintain their 100 percent record in Group B of the qualifiers. In-form Porto midfielder Yacine Brahimi needed two minutes to put Algeria in front and Riyad Mahrez doubled their advantage on the stroke of halftime. Sporting Lisbon striker Islam Slimani put the result beyond doubt with a 54th-minute goal as Algeria secured their fourth consecutive victory. The Desert Foxes have maximum 12 points from four matches, gaining an unassailable lead over third-placed Ethiopia and bottom side Malawi, who both have three points. Ethiopia, Malawi and Mali (6 points) will battle it out for the second Group B ticket to the Nations Cup. In Group G, Tunisia struck deep in stoppage time to claim a precious 1-0 home win over Senegal. Sfaxien midfielder Ferjani Sassi poked the ball home following a goal-mouth scramble four minutes into stoppage time to spark wild celebrations among the home supporters. Both sides, who settled for a goalless draw in Dakar last Friday, wasted some goal-scoring opportunities, with the best chance felling to Senegal forward Sadio Mane on the hour mark when he failed to beat keeper Aymen Mathlouthi in a one-on-one situation. Tunisia moved top with 10 points to edge closer to a place at the Nations Cup. Senegal are second with seven points, one ahead of third-placed Egypt, who beat point-less Botswana 2-0, with two matches remaining. (For more sports news and updates, follow AhramOnline Sports on Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/113204.aspx
