Hernane fires Flamengo into Copa do Brasil semis

Rio de Janeiro, Oct 24 (IANS) Striker Hernane netted a hat-trick as Flamengo advanced to the Copa do Brasil semi-finals with a 5-1 aggregate victory over Botafogo.

The 27-year-old struck twice in the first half and again on the hour before Leo Moura converted a 71st minute penalty at the Maracana stadium Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

Botafogo were reduced to 10 men when teenage defender Doria was shown a red card in the 70th minute.

The result followed the teams’ 1-1 draw in the quarter-final first leg Sep 25.

Flamengo will face either Vasco da Gama or Goias, who play their quarter-final second leg in Rio Thursday.

Atletico Paranaense and Gremio also progressed to the competition’s last four by overcoming Internacional and Corinthians respectively.