KUMASI - Senegal and South Africa were both eliminated from the African Nations Cup after a disappointing stalemate in Kumasi on Thursday.
The draw meant neither team put pressure on the top two in Group D - Tunisia and Angola - who played out a goalless draw to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Elrio van Heerden gave South Africa an early lead after 14 minutes but Henri Camara pulled Senegal level shortly before half-time.
Siphiwe Tshabalala could have snatched a win for South Africa but his lofted cross cannoned off an upright.
Camara also missed a golden opportunity to be Senegal's hero when he headed wide with 10 minutes remaining, giving acting coach Lamine Ndiaye a disappointing start to his temporary reign.
Ndiaye dropped captain El-Hadji Diouf, goalkeeper Tony Sylva and Ousmane Ndoye for disciplinary reasons and Camara wasted no time in capitalising on his first start of the tournament.
The West Ham forward turned sharply but shot straight at goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs early on and looked a threat throughout the first half.
But it was South Africa who broke the deadlock when Teko Modise's deep cross from the left set up Van Heerden to volley in at the far post.
Sibusiso Zuma then almost doubled South Africa's lead when his surging run from the halfway line resulted in his near-post shot being well saved.
The Bafana Bafana looked comfortable as half-time approached but after 37 minutes, Aaron Mokoena made a hash of a clearance which allowed Camara to slot home.
The galvanised Teranga Lions almost edged ahead a minute later but Mamadou Niang shot straight at Josephs after a jinking run.
South Africa dominated after the break and should have taken the lead when Souleymane Diawara's mis-kick gave Zuma a clear shooting opportunity but Senegal keeper Bouna Coundoul produced a fine save.
The South Africans looked more likely to score and Tshabalala went agonisingly close at the death but the all-important winner proved elusive.
