Algeria striker Islam Slimani was in prolific mood as the Desert Warriors crushed Djibouti 8-0 at home in their opening game in the World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

The Lyon striker scored four goals in the 5, 25, 46, 53 respectively, confirming the complete domination of his side during the game.

The visitors seemed affected by the dismissal of defender Batio Youssouf who received his marching orders in the 23 th minute, while the Algerians were leading 1-0.

Algeria are now on the top of Group A with three points on level with Burkina Faso who claimed a 2-0 away win over Niger, earlier on Thursday.

In Group J Morocco  started their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 home win over Sudan on Thursday to top the Group with three points.

Naif Aguerd gave the Moroccans an early lead in the 10 th minute, while Sudanese defender Abuaagla Abdalla scored in his own net to double the lead for the hosts, eight minutes after the break.

The leaders of the 10 groups will advance to a final two-legged playoff round to determine Africa's five representatives at next year's Qatar finals.  

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