ALGIERS, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Algeria on Friday night consolidated their hopes to qualify to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2019) after winning against Benin 2-0 in Blida Stadium, 60km south west Algiers, in Day 3 of Group D qualifiers.

Bensebaini opened the scoring for the Desert Foxes (21'), and then Bounedjah doubled the lead (72'). The return leg is due in Benin on Oct. 16.

Earlier on Friday, Togo drew 1-1 with the Gambia in Lome, as the second leg is scheduled in the Gambian capital of Banjul on Oct. 16.

Algeria is topping group D with 7 points, followed by Benin with 4 points, while Togo and the Gambia share the last spot with 2 points each.