2018 World Cup: Tunisia and DR Congo record victories in Group A

Youssef Msaskni hit a hat-trick for Tunisia to move them closer towards the World Cup in Russia

Youssef Msakni's hat-trick helped Tunisia move closer to Russia with a 4-1 away win in Guinea as DR Congo kept their faint hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over Libya.

In Conakry, Naby Keita scrambled the hosts into a first-half lead but Youssef Msakni equalised for the Carthage Eagles just before the break.

Msakni added his second in the 75th minute before the impressive Etoile du Sahel midfielder Mohamed Amine Ben Amor, who had provided two assists, scored the third eight minutes later.

Msakni completed his hat-trick right at the death, just after Guinea's goal scorer Keita was sent off.

Tunisia, who had never previously avoided defeat in a World Cup tie in Guinea, stay top of the group with 13 points and only need a draw in the final game at home to Libya next month to seal a spot in Russia.

In the day's other Group A fixture, DR Congo beat Libya 2-1 in Monastir in Tunisia, as Libya cannot stage home matches due to security reasons.

Cedric Bakambu put the Leopards ahead five minutes into the second half.

Libya levelled through Elmutasem Al Musrati but the comeback only lasted five minutes as Wilfred Moke capitalised on poor defending to restore DR Congo's lead.

Second-placed DR Congo move to 10 points and trail Group A leaders Tunisia by three points.

The final fixtures in the group pit Tunisia against Libya and DR Congo against Guinea in early November.

Only the group winners will qualify for Russia 2018.