Cameroon have booked their place at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations following a 1-0 win over Mauritania at the Stade Olympique in Nouakchott on Friday evening.
Edgar Salli's 29th-minute strike proved to be the difference between the two sides, the midfielders first-half thunderbolt sealing the Indomitable Lions' place atop Group M.
As a result, Mauritania, South Africa and Gambia's only hopes of qualifying is by means of the one of two best second-placed teams with Bafana Bafana set to face the 'Scorpions' in Bakau on Saturday.
Eyeing their first ever qualification for an Afcon tournament, Les Mourabitones were eager to stamp their authority in the early exchanges.
But, Cameroon stood firm and took the lead just short of the half-hour mark. After the hosts failed to clear their lines from a free-kick, Salli pounced, sending an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net from just outside the area.
This prompted a response from Mauritania, but after Moustapha Diaw received his marching orders in the 71st minute, Cameroon took control to book their place at next year's showpiece in Gabon.
The four-time champions host Gambia in the final round of fixtures with Mauritania set to travel to South Africa at the start of September.
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