Senegal - 2, Nigeria - 1: Three players were sent off as Senegal, playing with 10 men for more than one hour, beat Nigeria yesterday in a stormy and dramatic semi-final.

In a passionate game littered with violent tackles and incidents of play-acting, Pape Bouba Diop headed Senegal in front early in the second half before an 88th-minute equaliser from Julius Aghahowa earned Nigeria a stay of execution.

Alissane Diao restored Senegal's lead seven minutes into extra time before, in a final twist, Nigeria substitute Wilson Oruma missed a penalty. The golden goal rule is not used in the tournament.

Senegal played for more than an hour with 10 men after midfielder Pape Sarr was controversially sent off for elbowing.

But Nigeria finished with nine men after Aghahowa and Ifeanyi Udeze were dismissed in extra time.

In a match between two countries heading for this year's World Cup, Senegal outplayed their opponents and regained their composure after a fiery end to the first half when two key decisions went against them.

In the 35th minute, Sarr was dismissed for elbowing Garba Lawal as the pair tussled for the ball. Lawal went down clutching his head, but television replays showed that no contact was made, and, although there was a loose elbow from Sarr, it did not look deliberate. Sarr pushed the referee and had to be restrained by his team-mates.

Senegal claimed Aghahowa should have been sent off for a lunging challenge on Ferdinand Coly on the stroke of half-time, but the Ukraine-based striker escaped with a booking, leading to more Senegalese protests and another scuffle.

The Lions had started strongly as Henri Camara hit the post with a dipping shot in the second minute and Khalilou Fadiga wasted an excellent close-range chance in the 17th.

Nigeria's Austin Okocha also hit the post with a swerving free-kick in the 26th minute but, after a disappointing display, was substituted in the second half.

Nigeria's best spell came after half-time when Finidi George, Nwankwo Kanu and Aghahowa all missed good chances.

The drama continued in extra time. One minute after the break, Kanu was up-ended but Oruma rolled a weak penalty-kick against the post. Almost immediately, Aghahowa was sent off for a wild challenge on Omar Daf.

Nigeria were reduced to nine when another ugly clash led to Udeze's red card.