McCarthy Heads Home UCL Dream Goal Against Dortmund

South African defender Aden McCarthy scored his first goal for Sabah FK on Tuesday night, heading home against Borussia Dortmund in their UEFA Champions League clash at the Baku Olympic Stadium.

McCarthy produced a memorable moment in the 39th minute when he rose highest inside the Dortmund penalty area to head home Tymoteusz Puchacz’s free-kick, bringing Sabah level at 1-1.

The goal was particularly significant for the 22-year-old, marking his first since joining the Azerbaijani club from Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the 2026/27 season. Chiefs confirmed his move to Sabah in June after he made 33 appearances across all competitions during his breakthrough campaign with Amakhosi.

McCarthy’s header cancelled out Serhou Guirassy’s early opener, but Dortmund restored their lead shortly after halftime when Guirassy scored his second of the night in the 53rd minute. Sabah were unable to find another equalizer as Dortmund secured a 2-1 victory.

The match also marked McCarthy’s third Champions League league-phase appearance for Sabah, following their opening 4-0 defeat to Manchester United and their 2-0 victory over Slavia Praha.

For McCarthy, scoring against one of Germany’s biggest clubs makes his maiden Sabah goal even more memorable, further underlining his growing presence on the European stage.

He is now one of the few South African outfield players to score in the UEFA Champions League phase, joining figures like Benni McCarthy, Thulani Serero, Steven Pienaar, and Dino Ndlovu.