Libya thrashes Seychelles 8-1 at AFCON qualifiers

Libya kept their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign alive after thrashing the Seychelles 8-1, while Bafana Bafana’s fate remains in their own hands.

The visitors, who 5-1 the last time these sides met, got off to the perfect start as Motasem Sabbou put them ahead after just three minutes in the encounter.

Libya were on course for another big win it seemed when Anis Saltou fired past Dingwall to double the advantage in the 23rd minute. Saltou was at it again in 32nd minute as he completed his brace to extend the visitors’ advantage to 3-0.

After a quiet start to the second half, the Pirates bagged a fourth goal after 56 minutes, with Khalid Almaryami getting his name on the score-sheet. Three minutes later, it was 5-0 as Salem Balied found the back of the net before Saltou completed his hat-trick in the 62nd minute to make it 6-1.

There was some small joy for the Seychelles as they pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute after Perry Monnaie fired past the Libyan shot-stopper. However, the Libyans rounded off the scoring with five minutes remaining thanks to a strike from Rabia Alshadi to make it 7-1, while Hamdou Elhouni netted the visitors’ eighth goal in time added on.

Libya will now host Bafana in their final group game and Stuart Baxter’s men can qualify for next year’s tournament if they avoid defeat on the day.

Nigeria secured qualification following their 1-1 draw with Bafana.