The home nation went into the match knowing a win would have seen them leapfrog their Group A opponents and guarantee qualification.

However, a third draw in as many outings meant Burkina Faso's 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau in today’s other game sealed their exit. 

A point was enough for Cameroon to ensure progression, but they lost first place to Burkina Faso on goal difference. 

Gabon have become only the third hosts to exit the tournament at the group stage and were left to rue missed opportunities against Cameroon.

Star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang spurned a great chance early on when he somehow got his feet tangled and put the ball wide of an open goal as he tried to finish Denis Bouanga's drilled cross to the back post.

Despite a fast start, Gabon struggled to create anything for much of the match and it was not until the dying moments that they went close again with Bouanga’s shot hitting the post.

Didier N'Dong quickly pounced on the rebound, only to see his shot tipped over the bar superbly by Cameroon goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa as he picked himself up off the floor.

Cameroon also had chances to win the game with left-back Ambroise Oyongo’s shot nicking the post and a first-half header from Adolphe Teikeu going just wide.

Fortunately for them it did not matter that they failed to convert the opportunities and they now go onto face Senegal, who have already qualified as Group B winners, in the quarter-finals.

Burkina Faso, meanwhile, will meet the Group B runners-up in the last eight after securing top spot through an own goal from Guinea-Bissau defender Rudinilson Silva and forward Bertrand Traore’s second-half finish. 

A defensive mix up led to Silva inadvertently heading past onrushing goalkeeper Jonas Mendes and into his own net, giving Burkina Faso an 11th minute lead at the Stade de Franceville.

Guinea-Bissau came close to levelling the score after half-time, but defender Juary Soares’ goalbound effort from inside the six-yard box was blocked by Abdou Traore after he had been picked out unmarked from a corner.

It proved to be costly as Burkina Faso immediately went down the other end to extend their advantage with Prejuce Nakoulma setting up Traore to slot the ball past Mendes.

Tomorrow’s action sees the conclusion of Group B as Senegal face Algeria at the Stade de Franceville and Zimbabwe go up against Tunisia at the Stade de l'Amitié.