SANTIAGO, Chile (AP):

Chile kept alive their hopes of winning the Copa America for the first time with a 2-1 win over 10-man Peru in the semi-finals of the South American tournament yesterday.

Striker Eduardo Vargas scored the winner with a long-range shot in the 64th minute, sending the home-crowd favourites to their first Copa America final in 28 years.

The winning goal came only three minutes after Peru equalised with an own goal by defender Gary Medel. Vargas had opened the scoring in the 42nd.

Chile struggled early against their regional rivals, but the momentum shifted after Peru defender Carlos Zambrano was sent off for hitting a Chilean on the back during a challenge only 20 minutes into the match.

Argentina and Paraguay play in the second semi-final today.