By Piers Edwards BBC Sport, Banjul

Gambia manager Paul Put felt that his was the better side

Gambia held Senegal to a 0-0 draw in the 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Banjul.

The Scorpions were hoping for their first victory since 1962 over their neighbours but it was not to be - despite playing against 10 men for nearly an hour.

Gambia manager Paul Put told BBC Sport that he was pleased with his team's performance.

"I think the best opportunities were for the Gambia," he said.

"I'm proud of what my players brought to the game, especially in the first 35 minutes when we had the better play and better opportunities but unfortunately we didn't score - but that's football.

"Njogu Demba had a great game and he needs a goal for confidence. You need some luck on your side and we didn't have that."

On a rare start, Senegal midfielder Kader Mangane was dismissed for a second booking after 38 minutes, to the delight of the capacity 25,000-crowd.

It was a good point for us because it was a difficult match, playing with only ten men Ibou Faye

Five minutes later, Henri Camara missed the first of two good first-half opportunities for the Teranga Lions as he fired over the bar from close range.

After half-time, the match almost descended into a personal battle between Demba and Sylva, Senegal's new captain.

Just after the hour, the Gambian front man fizzed a low drive just inches past the post from the edge of the box with Sylva stranded.

But that was the only occasion the Norway-based striker beat Sylva as a few minutes later, the Senegal skipper beat away an impressive side-footed volley in spectacular fashion.

As the game entered stoppage time, the Gambia thought their domination may finally count for something but once again Demba was denied by Sylva, who saved well low to his left.

Senegal, whose sole shot on target came in injury time as Ibou Faye's shot was deflected, stay top of Group 6 with four points, while Gambia are third.

Faye was happy that his team came away with a point.

"It was a good point for us because it was a difficult match, playing with only ten men," he said.

"We did what we had to do even if we didn?t score but a point is better than nothing."

Meanwhile, a brace from midfielder Karim Ziani helped Algeria to a 3-0 home win over Liberia in a Group 6 2010 World Cup qualifying match played in Blida.

Rafik Djebbour, who plays for Greek side Panionios, put the Desert Foxes ahead on the quarter hour mark.

Ziani, who plays for French side Olympique Marseille, then struck two minutes later for Algeria's second.

The 25-year-old then claimed his second of the night with a penalty early in the second half to seal the win.

The win revives the north African nation's campaign after suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Senegal in last Saturday in their opening group match.

Algeria next play the Gambia away on 14 June while Liberia meet Senegal at home one day later.