Algeria strengthened their leadership in Group J of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a 7-1 demolition of Ethiopia in Blida on Friday night.

The ‘Fennecs’ smashed the Walya Ibex at Stade Mustapha Tchaker, with Islam Slimani and Sofiane Feghouli both grabbing braces and Yacine Brahimi, Saphir Taïder and Rachid Ghezzal adding to the visitors’ misery.

Feghouli opened the scoring on 23 minutes, following good work from Islam Slimani and Riyad Mahrez, with the Leicester City’s star winger assisting the Sporting Portugal’s striker for number two just past the half-an-hour mark.

FC Porto playmaker Yacine Brahimi failed to extend their lead from the penalty spot three minutes later, after Slimani had been fouled inside the box, with the locals still taking a two-goal cushion into the break.

Feghouli completed a brace shortly after the restart, thanks again to Riyad Mahrez, while Brahimi broke down the Ethiopian defence to extend Algeria’s lead on 72 minutes.

Midfielder Saphir Taïder hammered a fifth nail into the visitors’ coffin two minutes later, from a Mahrez’ corner, as newcomer Rachid Ghezzal joined the party with his first international goal for the ‘Fennecs’ with 10 minutes to go.

And while Getaneh Kebede managed to pull a goal back for Ethiopia in the 84^th minute, Islam Slimani made it 7-1 in stoppage time.

Christian Gourcuff’s men, who are now topping the table on 9 points, will be looking to extend their winning run when they travel to Addis Ababa for the reverse fixture on Tuesday.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com