In what was at times a feisty affair at Wembley, City had got off to the perfect start by scoring within the first four minutes.
Kevin De Bruyne was the architect, his stunning pin-point cross finding the waiting Gabriel Jesus at the far post and the Brazilian made no mistake stooping to head home from close-range.
But Brighton caused several problems after the break and it needs a superb goal-line clearance from Aymeric Laporte to prevent the Seagulls levelling midway through the second half.
READ: City 1-0 Brighton | City reach FA Cup final
WATCH: Inside City | Episode 336
Raheem Sterling twice came close to making the game safe for City before referee Anthony Taylor finally blew his whistle to seal our ticket to the final where we will play either Watford or Wolves who meet in the second semi-final tomorrow.
Take a look at best pictures from the semi-final in our gallery above…