Paris St Germain needed a late goal to win 1-0 at second division Amiens and advance to the Coupe de France final after a match that had to be interrupted because of tear-gas blowing into the stadium.

Security officials said the gas came from outside the ground where it had been used by police on PSG supporters without tickets trying to get in.

The game was stopped after just over 30 minutes and resumed after a 10-minute break. No other incidents were reported.

Substitute forward Yannick Boli hit the winner after a brilliant solo run 12 minutes from the end.

PSG, who often make unwanted headlines because of their unruly supporters, are third from bottom in the league with two matches left and in danger of being relegated for the first time.

"To win here with that team is a performance," said PSG coach Paul Le Guen, who had saved his best players for the league matches to come and fielded an experimental side.

"Yes, there was joy in the locker room but we're focusing on Saturday [and a home Ligue 1 game against St Etienne]", he added.

Ligue 1 leaders Lyon, chasing their first league and cup double, host second division Sedan in the second semi-final on Wednesday.

PSG will meet the winners in the May 24 final at the Stade de France.

The capital club beat Lens 2-1 in the Coupe de la Ligue final in March but that game, also at the Stade de France, was marred by an abusive banner held up by some of their fans.

As a result the club have been banned from defending the trophy next season.

Asked whether there might be more incidents at the cup final, club president Simon Tahar said: "That final will be a party. It will not be tarnished."

Reuters