South African Star Aden McCarthy Makes His Mark Against Dortmund — “Anything Is Possible

From Kaizer Chiefs to the Champions League: Aden McCarthy Stuns Dortmund and Delivers Powerful ‘Anything Is Possible’ Message

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN – Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy has written a memorable chapter in his young football career after scoring his maiden UEFA Champions League goal against German giants Borussia Dortmund, declaring that his achievement proves that “anything is possible” in football.

The 22-year-old South African found the net for Azerbaijani champions Sabah FK on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, in a fiercely contested Champions League encounter at Baku Olympic Stadium. Although Sabah ultimately suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat, McCarthy’s goal provided a significant personal milestone and a moment of pride for South African football.

McCarthy, who joined Sabah from Kaizer Chiefs during the off-season, was making his third consecutive start in the competition. His performance against one of Europe’s most established clubs underlined his growing experience at the highest level of continental football.

Dortmund made an early breakthrough when Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy opened the scoring in the 10th minute, putting the visitors in front and forcing Sabah to respond.

The home side continued searching for an equaliser, and their persistence paid off shortly before half-time. In the 39th minute, McCarthy rose above the Dortmund defence to direct a header into the net from a free-kick delivered by Tymoteusz Puchacz.

The goal brought Sabah level at 1-1 and gave the home supporters a reason to believe their team could secure a positive result against the Bundesliga outfit.

However, Dortmund restored their lead in the 53rd minute when Guirassy scored his second goal of the match. Despite Sabah’s efforts to find another equaliser, the German side held on to claim a 2-1 victory.

While the result was disappointing for the Azerbaijani club, McCarthy’s contribution stood out as one of the evening’s major talking points.

Speaking after the match, McCarthy admitted that he had not anticipated scoring against Dortmund, describing the moment as something that happened naturally during the game.

“I showed it tonight, I never expected to score, you don’t plan for these things, but it just happened in the moment, so I am very happy,” he told ANews.

The defender also used the experience to send an encouraging message about the unpredictable nature of football, insisting that no opponent should be considered impossible to challenge.

“It just shows anything is possible, no matter who you come against, the ball is round, anything is possible, so as long as you put yourself in those positions to score, it can happen,” he said.

His comments reflected a positive outlook despite the defeat, with the young defender focusing on what the performance could mean for Sabah’s confidence in future European fixtures.

McCarthy’s goal represents another important step in his development since leaving Kaizer Chiefs for a new challenge in Azerbaijan.

The son of former Bafana Bafana defender Fabian McCarthy, Aden developed within the South African football system before moving abroad to pursue opportunities at a higher level. His transition to Sabah has given him the chance to test himself against some of the strongest teams in European club football.

Scoring against Dortmund is particularly noteworthy because defenders do not always have frequent opportunities to get on the scoresheet. McCarthy’s ability to make his presence felt during a set-piece situation demonstrated the value of his aerial threat and timing inside the opposition penalty area.

His growing involvement in Sabah’s Champions League campaign will also provide valuable experience as he continues to develop his defensive positioning, decision-making and composure under pressure.

Although Sabah were unable to collect a point, McCarthy’s achievement offers an encouraging example of a South African player making an impact on a major European stage.

His goal does not erase the disappointment of the defeat, but it demonstrates the possibilities that can emerge when young players take opportunities to compete beyond their familiar surroundings.

For McCarthy, the next challenge will be maintaining his progress and helping Sabah turn promising performances into results. The Azerbaijani side will need to learn from the narrow loss as it continues its Champions League campaign.

For now, the former Chiefs defender can take pride in a moment he will remember for years. Against Dortmund, he scored his first Champions League goal and delivered a message that resonates well beyond one match: in football, belief and taking your chances can make the unexpected possible.

Source: https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2112849027976790525

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