Aden McCarthy celebrates first UEFA Champions League win as Sabah FK revive campaign

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy celebrated his first UEFA Champions League victory on Wednesday as Sabah FK defeated Slavia Praha 2-0 in the league phase.

The result provided a much-needed response after Sabah FK’s campaign began with a 4-0 defeat by Manchester United. With six league-phase fixtures still to play, the Azerbaijani side will now look to build on the win and carry that momentum into the rest of their European campaign.

The victory at Baku Olympic Stadium was particularly meaningful for McCarthy, whose mother, Melissa, was in the stands wearing his shirt as she watched him play.

McCarthy has previously spoken about the important role she has played throughout his career. Although his father, former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Fabian McCarthy, is often the more prominent figure because of his football background, McCarthy says his mother has been the family’s foundation.

“I need to give credit to my mother. People post about my father because of our football link, but my mother has been our backbone,” McCarthy said in an interview with kaizerchiefs.com after making his debut for Kaizer Chiefs.

That appearance made him part of the fifth father-son pairing to represent the club, known as the Glamour Boys.

The defender has also established himself as a key player in Sabah FK’s domestic title challenge. He has featured in all six of the club’s matches this season, with Sabah second in the table on 16 points.

They are level with leaders Neftci PFK, who have played one more match.

McCarthy’s continued involvement in both domestic football and the UEFA Champions League could strengthen his case for a Bafana Bafana call-up under head coach Pitso Mosimane.

Mosimane is determined to recognise players in strong form, whether their performances are coming in South Africa or abroad.

Sabah FK’s European campaign continues at home on Tuesday, when they face Borussia Dortmund.