Samuel Eto’o wasted a late penalty as Cameroon missed out on the chance of closing the gap on Group E leaders Senegal following a goalless draw in Saturday’s African Cup of Nations qualifier in Yaounde.

Four-time African champions Cameroon were awarded a penalty in the closing stages but in-form striker Eto’o, who scored twice to help Inter Milan win the Italian Cup last week, blasted his shot against the bar.

An exciting end also saw Senegal finish with nine men on the pitch after two of their players were dismissed.

Senegal, who would be happy to share spoils, remain on top of their group with ten points, five ahead of second-placed Cameroon with two matches remaining.

The Democratic Republic of Congo could even leapfrog Cameroon if they beat bottom side Mauritius, who are yet to bag any points, on Sunday.

The last time Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions failed to reach the Nations Cup was in 1994. They won the tournament four times in 1984, 1988, 2000 and 2002.