Edgar Salli rocket sends Cameroon to 2017 Afcon

Edgar Salli's first-half rocket booked Cameroon's place at the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon.

The Indomitable Lions midfielder sent a crisp strike into the top corner of the net on 29 minutes to secure a 1-0 win over Mauritania at the Stade Olympique in Nouakchott on Friday evening.

The goal subsequently dented the hosts chances of qualifying for a first ever Afcon tournament.

Mauritania ended the game with 10-men - Moustapha Diaw receiving his marching orders on 71 minutes.

Les Mourabitones, South Africa and Gambia will now be relying on results elsewhere as they aim to emerge as one of two best second-placed finishers, which will subsequently book their ticket to Gabon.

Cameroon are the fourth team to qualify for next year's showpiece alongside hosts Gabon, Morocco and Algeria.

The West Africans top Group M with 11 points, four points clear of Mauritania with Bafana Bafana and Gambia set to go head-to-head in Bakau on Saturday.