McCarthy picks two players who impressed him during CHAN qualifier
Kaizer Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy has picked two players who impressed him during the recent two-legged CHAN qualifier matches against Egypt.
Molefi Ntseki guided a makeshift Bafana Bafana squad to a 4-2 aggregate win over the Pharaohs. After playing a 1-1 draw at home, they beat Egypt 3-1 in Ismailia to reach the final round of the qualifiers.
They will lock horns with Malawi home and away in May for a spot in the biennial tournament. Initially pencilled in for February, the 19-nation championship in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda was postponed to August due to delays in preparations schedule.
The Amakhosi DDC captain, McCarthy, started the second leg after being introduced as a sub in the first leg in Bloemfontein. The 21-year-old, who is on the verge of joining the first team, was impressive in both matches.
He has since praised two players who impressed him during those encounters.
WHO IMPRESSED ADEN MCCARTHY DURING THE CHAN QUALIFIER
“I was impressed by Jamie Webber and Neo Maema,” McCarthy told FARPost. “Jamie was my roommate. So we grew, like, a type of connection or friendship. I even told him I remember him playing for the Under 23s and watching him score.
“And I told him before he scored, I told him, just do what you do. He tried it once, twice. The third time it went in.”
Meanwhile, McCarthy believes Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge team is strong this season. “Honestly, this season, we’re a strong team. We never give up. We have that character and winning mentality.”
Amakhosi’s 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby maintained their position at the top of the DDC table, while Mamelodi Sundowns’ hopes for the title were dashed. McCarthy converted from the penalty spot in the second half.
The defender missed another penalty in the first half, which Pirates goalkeeper Bayanda Zulu saved. The Vela Khumalo-coached team has amassed 51 points from 21 matches and currently sits one point ahead of second-placed Stellenbosch FC.
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