Bafana Bafana's slim chances of qualifying for 2017 Afcon finals were dealt a massive blow after drawing 0-0 with the Indomitable Lions at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday

South Africa were hoping to record their first victory of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nation (Afcon) qualifying campaign when they hosted Cameroon in Durban.

The home side began the match brightly and they nearly grabbed an early goal in the third minute.

However, Bafana Bafana full-back Sifiso Hlanti's effort from a free-kick was tipped over the crossbar by the Cameroon goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa.

Hlanti's cross found his teammate Thulani Hlatswayo at the far post in the 13th minute and the latter's header was brilliantly saved by 20-year-old shot-stopper Ondoa.

In the 25th minute, Cameroon came close to scoring following a mistake in the Bafana defence, but Vincent Aboubakar's effort was saved by goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.

South Africa duo Tokelo Rantie and Thulani Serero played a one-two on the half-hour mark, but the final ball did not find the former in the final third.

Eleven minutes before the half-time break, Bafana striker Thamsanqa Gabuza had a penalty claim waved away after beating Cameroon shot-stopper Ondoa to the ball.

Just five minutes into the second-half, Bafana were dealt a major blow as striker Rantie went down injured and he had to be replaced by Ndumiso Mabena.

Bafana continued to push for the opening goal. Hlanti curled in a promising free kick from the left in the 59th minute, but yet again Ondoa made a good save.

At the other end, the Indomitable Lions midfielder Dani Ndi had a chance to put his side into the lead three minutes later, but his shot was blocked in the Bafana box.

The visitors were now applying pressure on the Bafana defence and Rivaldo Coetzee was forced to make a desperate clearance in the 70th minute.

With his side struggling to break the deadlock, Bafana head coach Shakes Mashaba pulled out Gabuza for another striker Prince Nxumalo five minutes later.

Bafana full-back Hlanti tried his luck from range in the 79th minute and his attempt was easily saved by Ondoa in the Indomitable Lions goal.

In the 88th minute, Mandla Masango had a good chance to snatch a late winner for Bafana, but the midfielder fired wide and ultimately the match ended in a goalless draw.

South Africa remain third on the Group M standings with three points from four matches, while Cameroon stay at the top with eight points.