Quinton Fortune played for South Africa for the first time in two years

South Africa leapt to the top of Group Two of 2006 World Cup qualifying on Sunday with a 1-0 victory over Uganda in Kampala.

Benni McCarthy was the matchwinner for Bafana Bafana, who jumped up from second-bottom in the rankings with the first away win in their group.

Either Ghana or DR Congo could have reclaimed pole position when the morning's group leaders clashed in Kumasi.

However, the keenly-anticipated clash ended 0-0, so leaving both teams on eight points, one behind South Africa.

Group Two table

McCarthy propelled Bafana Bafana to first place in the group when converting a 63rd-minute penalty, after Tyren Arendse was brought down in the area.

Arendse could have doubled South Africa's lead a few minutes later but was denied by Ugandan goalkeeper Posnet Omwony who made a top-class save.

"We made it difficult for ourselves by not taking more chances," said South Africa coach Stuart Baxter.

"My team played good football and they knew the importance of a victory here."

"Thabiso Rammile made a magnificent debut at left back and Quinton Fortune impressed on his return to the team after an absence of more than two years."

Seconds after Omwony's save, the South African defence were forced to clear a shot off their own goal line as Aaron Mokoena beat out substitute Hakim Magumba's goalbound effort.

Uganda, who took a while to come into the match, threatened Bafana Bafana stopper Hans Vonk's goal once again six minutes later but Magumba suffered further frustration as his effort was well-saved.

In the dying moments, McCarthy came close to adding a second but hit the post from close range.

Uganda stay bottom of Group Two after their defeat, claiming four points from their five games.

Ghana's Michael Essien squandered an excellent chance against DR Congo

In Kumasi meanwhile, Ghana's Michael Essien had the best chance to break the deadlock against DR Congo when he found himself one-on-one with the Simbas goalkeeper in the penalty area.

However, the midfielder could only fire his shot straight into Pascal Kalemba's arms.

Early in the second half, the Black Stars thought they had won a penalty when the referee appeared to have spotted an infringement in the Congolese area.

However, a spot-kick was denied when the linesman flagged for offside.

Midway through the second half, inspirational Ghanaian captain Stephen Appiah had an excellent change to put his side ahead - but could only shoot straight at Kalemba once again.

The Simbas regularly packed their defence, and seemed content to play for the point.

On Saturday, Cape Verde stayed in the hunt for an unlikely trip to the World Cup finals when the islanders beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in Praia.

At the halfway stage of the group, the Cape Verdians are just two points behind South Africa, while Burkina Faso lie fifth with six points.