Algeria have booked a place in next year’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament after defeating Seychelles 2-0 in their penultimate Group J match in Victoria on Thursday afternoon.

In their first competitive outing since parting ways with coach Christian Gourcuff, the Fennec Foxes picked up a fine victory at Stade Linite to see themselves secure top spot in the group with a haul of 13 points from five matches.

The North Africans claimed the lead late in the first half through Yassine Benzia, who netted in the 41^st minute to break the hosts’ stern resistance.

Just past the hour mark, striker Hillel Soudani made it 2-0, effectively killing off the challenge of the Pirates.

Algeria were able to see out the victory and complete a home and away double over Seychelles, having beaten the minnows 4-0 in their first qualifier just under a year ago.

The North Africans will complete their qualification campaign in September with a home match against Lesotho, while Seychelles will be away to Ethiopia.