Aden McCarthy helps Sabah FC secure Champions League qualification breakthrough

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy has celebrated a landmark UEFA Champions League qualification achievement after helping Sabah FC defeat Hapoel Beer Sheva and progress through the preliminary rounds.

Sabah FC produced a decisive 5-2 victory in the second leg of their play-off tie on Tuesday, completing a 6-4 aggregate success. The result saw McCarthy and his team-mates reach the final round of qualification after coming through three demanding rounds.

The Azerbaijani club began their campaign with a 4-1 aggregate victory over The New Saints. They then defeated Kuopion Palloseura 3-0 on aggregate in the second round before overcoming Aarhus Gymnastikforening 5-2 on aggregate earlier this month.

For McCarthy, the achievement represents an excellent start to his time abroad. The defender has settled quickly into Sabah FC’s system and has continued to demonstrate the qualities that helped him make a strong impression during his rise at Kaizer Chiefs.

The left-footed centre-back is the son of South African football legend Fabian McCarthy. He used Instagram to reflect on the significance of reaching one of the biggest competitions in world football, posting a photograph of his number four shirt hanging in his dressing-room locker.

“Champions League to met my (Off to the Champions League with mine),” (sic) McCarthy captioned the image.

He added: “Never question God’s plan! Block out the noise, head down, be ready for whatever comes! Impossible is nothing. God did!”

Sabah FC will now return their attention to domestic football, with Araz-Naxcıvan PFK next up on Monday. They will be looking to build on their opening-day victory over Kapaz, secured two weeks ago.

McCarthy’s progress in Azerbaijan could also help him move closer to international recognition. A consistent campaign at club level may give him an opportunity to break into the Bafana Bafana setup, where a new era is beginning following the appointment of incoming coach Pitso Mosimane.

The former Kaizer Chiefs defender has therefore made an immediate impact at Sabah FC, contributing to a run that has carried the side through three preliminary rounds and into the final stage of their UEFA Champions League qualification campaign.

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