Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy moves closer to Champions League dream with Sabah FK

Aden McCarthy is one step closer to reaching the UEFA Champions League League Phase after Sabah FK produced a commanding second-leg victory over AGF to eliminate the Danish champions from the competition.

The Azerbaijani side overturned a 2-1 first-leg deficit by beating AGF 4-0 in the return match, completing a 5-2 aggregate success in the third qualifying round.

The result means Sabah FK will now compete in the final qualifying round, with a place in the Champions League League Phase at stake. Their opponents will be either Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva or Serbian giants Crvena zvezda.

The tie between Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Crvena zvezda is scheduled to begin at 20:00 SAST. Sabah FK will face the winner for a place in the league phase of European football’s leading club competition.

The second-leg meeting also brought former South Africa team-mates McCarthy and Gift Links into opposition, although neither player made a decisive on-field contribution to the result.

Links started for AGF and played 64 minutes before being substituted. At the time of his withdrawal, Sabah FK were leading 1-0, with the Azerbaijani club later adding three more goals to complete a dramatic turnaround.

McCarthy, meanwhile, remained an unused substitute throughout the match. Despite not appearing, the former Kaizer Chiefs defender will continue with Sabah FK into the final qualifying round as the club pursue a place in the Champions League League Phase.

Sabah FK’s victory reversed the outcome of the opening match, when Links’ AGF secured a 2-1 win and appeared to hold the advantage heading into the second leg.

That advantage disappeared quickly in Azerbaijan, however, as Sabah FK took control of the tie and imposed themselves on the Danish champions. Their four-goal performance ensured there would be no need for extra time and sent them through with a clear aggregate margin.

For AGF, the defeat ends their Champions League qualifying campaign. The Danish club will now be transferred to the Europa League league phase, giving Links’ side continued involvement in European competition despite falling short in their bid to reach the Champions League.

Sabah FK’s next challenge will determine whether McCarthy and his new club can complete the final step towards the tournament’s main phase. Victory over Hapoel Be’er Sheva or Crvena zvezda would secure their qualification for the Champions League League Phase, while defeat would end their route to that stage.