The Swazis were soundly beaten

Libya thrashed Swaziland in Tripoli on Saturday, yet the resounding victory was not enough to see them qualify for the Nations Cup finals.

The North Africans started Saturday's game knowing only a triumph over Swaziland - by at least three goals - and a defeat for DR Congo in Botswana could give them a ticket to Tunisia.

But DR Congo's goalless draw in Gaborone made Libya's victory a wasted effort.

Five minute into the game, Libya had already established a two-goal lead.

Tarek Taib and Khaled al-Mirghani grabbed the goals and although Swaziland's Bongali Dlamini snatched a brace before half-time, another strike from Taib saw Libya leading 3-2 at the interval.

The Libyans swept their visitors aside in the second half, with Nader Tarhouni, Ali al-Milyan and Ahmed Saad all getting their names on the scoresheet.