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Gambia News : Violence follows Senegal exit

Senegal's failure to make it to the final stage of qualifying for the 2010 World and Africa Cup of Nations was met by a hail of missiles from their fans in Dakar.

A 1-1 draw with local rivals Gambia left the Teranga Lions in third place in their group and sparked serious trouble.

The BBC's Piers Edwards saw numerous large stones and other missiles being thrown onto the athletics track around the pitch after the game.

The tunnel leading to the changing rooms was badly damaged and many windows in the stadium were smashed.

Fires were lit both inside and outside the ground after the final whistle.

The Gambian fans were kept back for more than an hour as a precaution.

Several people were injured in the violence but the extent of their injuries is not known.

Away from the stadium reports say an angry mob attacked the headquarters of the Senegalese Football Federation, causing extensive damage before they were driven back by police using tear gas.

The fans were angry after a tepid display by the home team saw them concede an equaliser four minutes from full-time.

It was an unconvincing performance from Senegal throughout but they took the lead on 62 minutes through a scuffed goal from Kader Mangane.

Gambia had been the better team throughout and secured a point with just minutes remaining in the game.

But because Algeria drew 0-0 with Liberia, Gambia needed a win to top the group.

They appeared not to realise and fans and players alike celebrated at the final whistle, only to be disappointed.