African Nations Cup - Senegal 2 DR Congo 0

Senegal reached the African Nations Cup semi finals later this week with a 2-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo who were reduced to ten men.

Alexis Tekumu became the first player to be sent in tournament so far after he was involved in a second clash between the players towards the end of the game.

He tried to hack down Bouba Diop and the two sets of players came together to jostle on the touchline provoking Italian referee Domenico Messina to issue a red card as he tried to split apart the two angry groups.

Sedan striker Alassane Diao headed in Senegal's first goal on 31 minutes and Al-Hadji Diouf sealed the win in the 86th minute from close range.

Congo were already weakened by the loss of captain Shabani Nonda before the game and he travelled to France yesterday for treatment to cure influenza and without him leading their line they contributed little to attack in the first half which was littered with fouls.

Goalkeeper Nkombe Tokala had to turn away two efforts from Diouf but a Khalilou Fadiga free kick gave them the first half lead when his angled cross allowed Diao to get clear of the defence and head in.

Congo midfielder Marcel Mbayo saw his seocnbd half header cleared from the goal line by Omar Daf. but Senegal sealed the win in the dying minutes when they broke through the offside trap to score their second goal which sparked the brawl less than two minutes later.