Islam Slimani scored four goals to guide the African Champions Algeria to a thumping 8-0 win over 10-men Djibouti at Moustapha Tchaker stadium in Blida on Thursday night.

Djibouti had to play with 10 men for almost 70 minutes after Youssof Batio was shown the red card in the 25th minute.

Slimani’s four goals on the night made him go just one goal behind Algeria’s all-time top scorer Abdelhafid Tasfaout with 36 goals.

The Algerian festival started as early as the fifth minute. Captain Riyad Mahrez cross from the right side found Slimani’s header past the visitors’ goalkeeper Mbounihamkuye Innocent.

Twenty minutes later, Batio touched the ball with his hand in the penalty area, to be given his marching orders. From the spot Slimani completed his brace.

Just a minute later, Ramy Bensebaini took advantage of Youcef Belaili’s cross to make it 3-0.

Djamel Belmadi’s players do not stop there and were still pushing, leaving no chance for their opponent. Bensebaini was fouled inside the penalty area five minutes from the break, and this time Baghdad Bounedjah scored from the spot as the first half ended 4-0 for the hosts.

After the break, Slimani added two more goals in quick succession (47 ’and 53’), before Skipper Mahrez added his name to the scorers’ list on the night seven minutes after the hour mark.

Despite being 7-0 up, the Algerians continued to press, and a couple of minutes later Ramiz Zerrouki who scored his first international goal to complete the rout.

A good start for the Algerians who topped Group A on goal difference from Burkina Faso, their next opponent.

Soka25east.com