Honduras toppled by hosts

Colombia, the tournament hosts, ended the romantic Copa America run of Honduras in Manizales on Thursday, beating the rank outsiders 2-0 in their semi-final.

Honduras, who were only invited to take part at the last minute after Argentina withdrew, had provided the high-point of the competition when they beat Brazil 2-0 in the quarter-finals. The Central Americans, who also beat Bolivia and Uruguay in the first round, finally ran out of steam as they were beaten by goals in each half from Gerardo Bedoya and Victor Hugo Aristizabal, now the tournament's leading scorer with six goals to his credit.

Colombia, who have still not conceded a goal in the competition, will meet Mexico here tomorrow, the first time they have appeared in the final since 1975.

Bedoya fired Colombia in front with a dipping shot from the edge of the penalty area after six minutes and Aristizabal converted a chance created by Freddy Grisales in the 63rd minute. Both teams were missing their leading players, who were either unavailable or being rested for the World Cup qualifying competitions, which resume in August.