Soccer-Drogba strikes late to put Chelsea in FA Cup final

LONDON, April 18 (Reuters) - Didier Drogba struck late to clinch a 2-1 victory for Chelsea over Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.

The Ivory Coast striker pounced on Frank Lampard's lofted pass with six minutes remaining to give Chelsea their first FA Cup success over Arsenal since 1947.

Arsenal had taken an 18th minute lead through Theo Walcott's deflected volley but Florent Malouda's near post shot levelled the scores before halftime.

Arsenal had the better of the second-half chances before some hesitation by second-choice goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski let in Drogba who slotted home from a tight angle.

Chelsea will play the winners of Sunday's semi-final between Manchester United and Everton.

(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Ken Ferris; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)