Chiefs graduate McCarthy starts against Man United
Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy has been named in Sabah’s starting XI for their UEFA Champions League group-phase opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Kick-off is 9pm.
The 22-year-old academy product lines up in central defence for the Azerbaijan champions on their first night in Europe’s biggest club competition.
Sabah reached the league phase after winning four qualifying ties, including a 6-4 aggregate win over Hapoel Be’er Sheva of Israel.
Sabah XI: Pokatilov; Puchacz, Dashdamirov, McCarthy, Zedadka; Rahmonaliev, Lepinjica; Parris, Nwachukwu, Simic; Mickels.
Manchester United XI: Lammens; Mazraoui, Yoro, Martinez, Dorgu; Tielemans, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.
McCarthy left Naturena in June after a breakthrough season of 33 appearances and two goals as Chiefs finished third.
Sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr said then that the club was proud he would “fly the Amakhosi flag high in Europe.”
Tonight he faces Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško on the biggest stage of his career so far.
