Last-gasp Lions roar into final

Mixed emotions: Chile's Pablo Contreras walks off as Cameroon celebrate

Cameroon snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to book their place in the Olympic final against Spain.

Two goals in the last six minutes saw the African side overturn a 1-0 deficit to get within touching distance of their country's first Olympic gold medal.

In the other semi-final, Spain overcame the United States 3-1, thanks to a glittering display by AC Milan striker Jose Mari.

Arsenal star Lauren Etame Mayer was the hero for the Cameroons, slotting home an 89th minute penalty to clinch a 2-1 victory.

Kneesy does it: Cameroon's Patrick Mboma enjoys the victory moment

Chile only had themselves to blame after missing a hatful of chances to put the game beyond their opponents' reach.

When they finally took the lead through a Patrice Abanda own goal 12 minutes from time, it looked as if they were going through.

Never-say-die

But they had reckoned without the never-say-die spirit of the Indomitable Lions, who poured forward in search of a late equaliser.

It came just six minutes later, Patrick Mboma rifling the ball through a crowded penalty area for his fourth goal of the tournament.

Mboma then won the decisive penalty after he was adjudged to have been fouled, and Lauren showed nerves of steel to coolly slot home.

Cameroon coach Jean-Paul Akono said the African Nations champions were hoping to follow Nigeria's example of four years ago by winning Olympic gold.

The other semi-final was less closely contested, with Spain always in control.

Mari was the star of the show, scoring one goal and setting up the other two to secure a place in the final.

Spain went two-up in 25 minutes through Tamudo and Angulo, before Pete Vagenas pulled one back for the Americans with a 42nd minute penalty.

Spain go to ground after their defeat of the US

Mari, who cost Milan $20m from Atletico Madrid last Christmas, put the result beyond doubt four minutes from time to cap a magnificent display.

"He was involved in everything," enthused Spanish coach Inaki Saez Ruiz. "He scored one goal, made the other two and really had a brilliant match."

Ruiz' opposite number, Englishman Clive Charles, admitted they had been outplayed.

"They were always a yard faster than us, they were stronger and quicker to the ball. I am disappointed we lost, of course, but this is the best the United States has ever done in the competition and I am delighted with my team."

The US now face Chile in the bronze medal play-off match.