South Africa and Senegal played out a 1-1 draw as both teams bowed out of the African Cup of Nations. Both teams were regarded as potential winners by many corners of the media.

It was the first game in charge for Senegal coach Lamine Ndiaye who replaced Henri Kasperczak following the 3-1 defeat to Angola on Sunday.

But if the players were hoping for a easy ride from the acting boss they were mistaken as Ndiaye dropped El-Hadji Diouf, goalkeeper Tony Sylva and Ousmane Ndoye for being caught in a Kumasi nightclub on Wednesday night.

West Ham's Henri Camara was handed his first start of the tournament and had the first chance of the game with a turn and shot but it was straight at the South Africa keeper Moeneeb Josephs.

At the other end Nasief Morris put a good free-kick opportunity way over the bar before South Africa had a very good shout for a penalty waved away.

Van Heerden, who was handed a start on the right flank, burst to the byeline and was brought down by Souleymane Diawara but Van Heerden made an even more telling contribution a minute later.

Tsepo Masilela fed Teko Modise down the left and the midfielder's deep cross was met by Van Heerden at the back post as he volleyed calmly into the net.

It was the second strike of the tournament for the Club Bruge winger who also scored a superb goal in South Africa's opener against Angola.

On the opposite flank South Africa's Sibusiso Zuma was also a threat and he went close to extending the lead when his near-post shot was well saved after a run from the halfway line. With half-time approaching Bafana Bafana looked comfortable, happy to yield possession while hitting the Senagalese on the break.

But they were undone on 37 minutes when Aaron Mokoena misjudged a flighted through ball by attempting to hack it clear. He merely sliced his clearance into Camara who took two touches before slotting the ball in with his right foot.

The goal breathed confidence into Senegal and Mamadou Niang created a wonderful opening after a tricky run only to shoot straight at Josephs.

The Teranga Lions began the second period with an equal purpose but Zuma still looked dangerous when a run into a congested penalty area led to Siphiwe Tshabalala shooting over.

And the same combination came even closer after 56 minutes when Tshabalala fired wide after orchestrating the beginning of the move with a lovely drag back.

South Africa were gaining momentum and they should have taken the lead for the second time in the game when a mis-kick by Diawara gave Zuma a clear shooting opportunity but Senegal's Bouna Coundoul pulled off a remarkable save.