South Africa have gone two points clear in Group 11

Carlos Alberto Parreira made a winning start as South Africa coach when the 2010 World Cup hosts beat Chad 3-0 in Saturday's Nations Cup qualifier in Ndjamena.

The victory leaves Bafana Bafana two points clear at the top of Group Eleven after Congo and Zambia could only draw 0-0 in Brazzaville on Sunday.

Congo stay second with five points, just a point ahead of Zambia who had their chances to take all three points.

The Chipolopolo had the best of the first half with James Chamanga forcing a good save from Congo goalkeeper Barel Mouko after 14 minutes.

Congo had their moments but striker Armel Mamouina chipped his effort wide when through on goal in the first half.

A couple of minutes into the second period, Congo's Cris Nsayi went on a fine run but his shot looped over the bar and shortly after Franchel Ibara failed to convert his chance after good work from Gildas Ngo.

Zambia could have won the match in the final quarter but Christopher Katongo's low shot was well saved by Mouko.

On Saturday, South Africa cruised to victory as striker Surprise Moriri headed them in front after 32 minutes before Delron Buckey struck a crucial second in first-half stoppage time.

Any doubts over the outcome ended 14 minutes from time in the hot, dusty Chadian capital when Sibusiso Zuma atoned for several first-half misses by stabbing the ball into the net.

Victory lifted slow starters South Africa to the top of the group with seven points from three matches.

Parreira, who led his native Brazil to the 1994 World Cup title, promised South Africans victory in central Africa but stressed that beautiful Brazilian-style football would come a distant second to securing maximum points.

So it proved as the visitors adapted well to a hard, bumpy pitch, creating numerous chances while restricting Chad to a few timid efforts that never troubled goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez.

A relaxed Parreira could even afford the luxury of taking off scorers Moriri and Buckley during the second half of a match halted for five minues near the end when a piece of tile struck the assistant referee from Benin.