Mane could have handed the visitors a sixth-minute lead when he raced onto a through-ball, but although the winger lifted his chip over Rob Green, it drifted wide of the post.

The game was delayed for a lengthy period midway through the first half as Matt Targett left the field in a neck brace after an innocuous challenge with Matty Phillips, much to the concern of all inside the stadium.

Matt Targett of Southampton is stretchered off during the Barclays Premier League match between Queens Park Rangers and Southampton at Loftus Road on February 7, 2015 © Getty Images

When the game eventually resumed, Mane continued to threaten and stung the hands of Green with a low drive after stepping off the wing.

In the 32nd minute, Mane was presented with his third opening of the half and again forced Green into a save.

From the resulting corner, Jose Fonte rattled the crossbar with a towering header as QPR struggled to half time with their clean sheet intact.

Mane continued to waste chances after the break and sliced one effort wide before Steven Caulker and Green smothered the winger when he took too long on the ball.

In between Mane's two chances, Mauro Zarate fired at Fraser Forster in a rare chance for the hosts.

Forster made another reaction save with 17 minutes remaining to tip Joey Barton's strike over the bar after it had been flicked goalwards by Charlie Austin.

However, in the third minute of stoppage time, Mane lashed the ball home from the edge of the area to keep his side's hopes of a Champions League place alive.

There was still time for more action as Leroy Fer had a late equaliser ruled out in controversial circumstances.