West Ham striker Demba Ba scored the only goal of the game in Dakar

Senegal took firm control of Group E of the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifiers after their 1-0 win over Cameroon on Saturday.

A last-minute goal from West Ham United striker Demba Ba sealed the victory for the home side in Dakar.

They are five points clear of both Cameroon and DR Congo, who moved into second place with a 3-0 win over Mauritius on Sunday.

Cameroon are now struggling to qualify for the finals.

The match was heading for a draw when substitute Ba collected the ball at the edge of the penalty box and shot past goalkeeper Carlos Kameni, sending the capacity crowd into raptures.

After a 1-1 draw at home to DR Congo, the defeat leaves Cameroon with just four points from three games.

Senegal top the group with nine points from three matches and boast the best attack with 12 goals.

Cameroon, playing with top striker Samuel Eto'o on the flank and Achille Webo up front, created plenty of chances but were unable to convert.

Meanwhile, in Cape Verde stayed at the top of Group A with seven points thanks to their 4-2 win over Liberia in Praia.

Mali kept up with pressure on the group leaders with a 1-0 win over Zimbabwe that left them on six points.

Burkina Faso strengthened their chances of advancing from Group F with a 4-0 thrashing of Namibia.

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