Tunisia defeat Egypt in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Johannesburg (AFP) – Tunisia captain Youssef Msakni starred in a 1-0 victory over Egypt Monday that completed the first series of qualifiers for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The Qatar-based midfielder set up the only goal three minutes after half-time at the national stadium in Rades on the outskirts of Tunis.

Msakni intercepted a headed clearance and delivered a sublime through ball for Taha Yassine Khenissi to score from a tight angle. 

The result confirmed the recent dominance of Tunisia over 2017 Cup of Nations runners-up Egypt having beaten them home and away in 2015 qualifying.

Tunisia top Group J with three points and Niger and Swaziland have one each after a 0-0 draw in Niamey at the weekend.

Group winners and the best three runners-up from 12 mini-leagues qualify for the biennial African football showcase.

New Spain-born Algeria coach Lucas Alcaraz saw Sofiane Hanni score midway through the opening half to bring a 1-0 Group D win over Togo in Blida. 

The match-winner was the highlight of a generally laboured performance by the nation that reached the last 16 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Route-one football presented unmarked Hanni with a chance just outside the box and his delicate chip over the goalkeeper found the net.