Algeria defeat Seychelles to qualify for 2017 African Nations Cup

VICTORIA, Seychelles -- Algeria qualified for next year's African Nations Cup with a 2-0 win in Seychelles on Thursday, joining fellow North Africans Morocco and host Gabon at the finals.

Yassine Benzia scored just before half-time and Hillel Soudani netted in the second half for a fairly easy win for Algeria in their first game since the surprise resignation of coach Christian Gourcuff in April. Algeria now have an unassailable lead in Group J.

Morocco were the first team to qualify in March. The two North African nations will be joined by another 13 from the qualifying competition, which returns this week after a three-month break.

Algeria were the only qualifier on Thursday. Egypt, Ghana and Senegal can seal places at the finals in matches over the weekend.