Michael Essien converted a first-half penalty to give Ghana the lead

Ghana beat Cape Verde 2-0 in Kumasi on Sunday to assume pole position in Group Two.

Lyon midfielder Michael Essien converted a first-half penalty after Asamoah Gyan was brought down in the penalty area by Jose Barros.

The Black Stars were dominating the game at that stage, but following the goal the islanders rallied even though they failed to create any clear-cut opportunities.

Just after the hourmark, Nelson de Vega scored an own goal which secured Ghana's victory and left the Black Stars at the top of Group Two with seven points.

However, the Ghanaians' lead over second-placed DR Congo is on goal difference.

Group Two standings Ghana 7 points DR Congo 7 pts Burkina Faso 6 pts South Africa 6 pts Cape Verde 4 pts Uganda 4 pts

In a packed stadium in Kinshasa, DR Congo beat South Africa 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Kabamba Musasa.

Musasa pounced after diminutive substitute Mbutu Mbala's mazy run took him past two South African defenders and goalkeeper Hans Vonk before he sent the ball across the face of the goal to the goalscorer.

The strike came just three minutes from time and delighted the estimated 80,000 fans inside the stadium, who had watched their team miss a number of chances.

Teammates hoist Mbutu Mbala after the substitute's fine display

Thirteen minutes earlier, Siyabonga Nomvete almost snuck an underserved goal for Bafana Bafana but he could only head wide.

The result leaves South Africa fourth in Group Two, behind Burkina Faso, who defeated Uganda 2-0 in Ouagadougou on Saturday.

Group Two, where just three points separate all six teams, resumes next month when Uganda host South Africa on 9 October.

The following day, DR Congo travel to Ghana while Cape Verde are at home to Burkina Faso.