© Reuters 2002

BAMAKO, Oct 13 (Reuters) - England-based striker Mamady Sidibe scored a debut goal as Mali, who hosted the last African Nations Cup finals, beat the Seychelles 3-0 to boost their bid to qualify for their next finals in Tunisia in 2004.

French-born Sidibe, who moved to Gillingham in the English first division on a free transfer from Swansea City in the off-season, scored the second goal as Mali registered their first points of the qualifying campaign.

But they still trail behind group six leaders Zimbabwe, who have a 100 percent record after two matches and beat Mali in Harare last month.

Midfielder Seydou Keita opened the scoring in the 32nd minute after Mali had dominated against their island opponents.

Sidibe got the second in the 75th minute after a pass from Keita and Dramane Coulibaly scored the third five minutes from the end, netting the rebound after Mamadou Diarra squandered a chance from the penalty spot.

Defeat for the Seychelles brought them back down to earth after they started the qualifying campaign with a win over Eritrea last month.