Aden McCarthy realises Champions League dream with Sabah FK at Old Trafford

Sixteen months after making his Kaizer Chiefs debut in Polokwane, defender Aden McCarthy completed 90 minutes of his first UEFA Champions League appearance as Sabah FK were beaten 4–0 by Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The 22-year-old’s European debut came at a stadium widely known as the “Theatre of Dreams”, where he faced some of the leading players in world football, including Bruno Fernandes, the reigning EPL Player of the Season and a Ballon d’Or nominee.

Although Sabah were unable to make an impression on the result, McCarthy’s appearance fulfilled a childhood ambition and marked a rapid rise from professional football in South Africa to Europe’s premier club competition.

McCarthy made his Kaizer Chiefs debut against Sekhukhune United at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane in May 2025. Just 16 months later, he was lining up at Old Trafford in the Champions League.

His progress also adds to South Africa’s growing presence overseas, with Relebohile Mofokeng, Shandre Campbell and Thapelo Maseko among the other young players making their mark abroad.

Sabah have seven league-phase matches still to play as they compete for a place in the knockout stage. Their remaining fixtures include meetings with Borussia Dortmund, FC Barcelona, Arsenal and Napoli.

McCarthy will also look to use the experience gained against Manchester United to support Sabah’s domestic campaign, with the club pushing to remain near the top of the Azerbaijani Premier League.

Bafana Bafana opportunity

The defender’s development has also brought him into contention for South Africa. Bafana Bafana’s new head coach Pitso Mosimane has included McCarthy in his preliminary squad for this month’s Afcon qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.

McCarthy has also been selected in the preliminary group for an international friendly against Egypt next month.

His first Champions League appearance came despite Sabah’s difficult night in Manchester, but the occasion provided an early indication of how quickly his career has progressed since his debut in Polokwane.

With seven more Champions League matches ahead, as well as domestic commitments and the possibility of international involvement, McCarthy now has the opportunity to build on a landmark night at Old Trafford.