A young South African defender has just played a part in a very special night in European football. Aden McCarthy, who left Kaizer Chiefs earlier this year, started and played the full match as Sabah FK beat Slavia Prague 2 to 0 in Baku on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. It was the club’s first ever win in the Champions League, and it came just one week after a heavy opening defeat.
For South African fans, the story is easy to enjoy. A player from the Premier Soccer League has gone from Naturena to a stage most local players only dream about.
A historic night in Baku
Sabah are playing in the competition for the first time. Their opening league phase match was a tough one away to Manchester United, and it ended in a 4 to 0 loss. Many people expected another difficult night when Slavia Prague arrived in Azerbaijan.
Instead, the home side stayed calm and got the job done. Sabah won 2 to 0 and collected their first three points in the competition. Reports say McCarthy played every minute of the match. That is a big deal for a 22 year old in a new country.
Slavia came to Baku hoping to turn around a tough start of their own. They have far more European experience than Sabah, but on the night, the debutants were sharper. For a club that only reached the league phase after four qualifying rounds, the result felt like a reward for months of hard work.
From Naturena to Azerbaijan
McCarthy came through at Kaizer Chiefs and enjoyed a breakout season at the club. That form earned him a move to Europe. He joined Sabah ahead of the 2026/27 season and signed up to play in the Azerbaijan Premier League.
His first taste of the Champions League came in July. Sabah faced The New Saints of Wales in the first qualifying round and won 2 to 0. McCarthy came off the bench late in that match after a Sabah teammate was sent off, and his job was to help the team see out the result. It was a short appearance, but it was a start.
UEFA’s official squad list shows A. McCarthy wearing number 4 for Sabah. He is listed as a defender and as a South African international prospect, with a date of birth in December 2003. You can view his profile on the official UEFA website.
The long road through qualifying
Sabah did not get a free pass into the main event. They had to win several rounds first, and some of those ties were far from simple. Here is a quick look at the path:
| Round | Opponent | Result for Sabah |
|---|---|---|
| First qualifying round | The New Saints | Won 2 to 0 |
| Third qualifying round | AGF | Won 5 to 2 on aggregate |
| Playoff round | Hapoel Be’er Sheva | Won 6 to 4 on aggregate |
The third round had a special South African flavour. AGF of Denmark have Gift Links in their squad, so two South Africans faced each other in the tie. AGF won the first leg 2 to 1. Sabah then hit back with a 4 to 0 win at home to go through. McCarthy stayed on the bench that night.
The playoff round was even more dramatic. Sabah lost the first leg 2 to 1 against the Israeli champions. In the return match, they were behind on aggregate again, at one stage trailing 4 to 2 overall. Then they roared back. They forced extra time and won the match 5 to 2, which gave them a 6 to 4 aggregate win. McCarthy came on in the 91st minute and was on the pitch for the late goals.
That comeback showed real character. It also set the tone for what happened against Slavia.
Bouncing back after Manchester United
Losing 4 to 0 on your Champions League debut can hurt. Many teams struggle to recover quickly. Sabah did not fall apart. They went back to basics and defended well, and that approach paid off in front of their own fans.
Coach Valdas Dambrauskas deserves credit for keeping the team focused. Reports say McCarthy has become a regular pick for him since the competition began. The coach seems to trust the young defender, and McCarthy has repaid that faith with steady performances.
According to the source reporting, McCarthy has played ten matches in all competitions for the club and helped Sabah keep seven clean sheets. Those numbers are impressive for a player so new to European football. It is worth noting that this figure comes from media reports, so it may change as the season goes on.
Sabah also play domestic football in Azerbaijan, with fixtures against sides such as Shafa, and the team has to balance those matches with the demands of Europe. Dambrauskas will need strong depth in defence as the calendar fills up.
What this means for South African football
South African fans love to see local players succeed abroad. Every time a young player from the PSL makes it in Europe, it sends a message. It tells other youngsters that the pathway is real.
McCarthy’s journey is a good example. He did not move to one of the biggest leagues. He chose a club where he could play, grow and test himself against good opposition. That is a smart and simple plan for a young defender.
His progress also reflects well on the Chiefs youth system. Many players struggle to adjust to new tactics, a new language and a new culture. So far, McCarthy looks comfortable. It is early days, but the signs are good.
For local fans, there is another reason to watch closely. The Champions League is the biggest club competition in the world. Seeing a former Amakhosi player on that stage is a proud moment, whichever team you support.
What comes next for Sabah
The league phase is far from over. Sabah still have home matches against Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona and Napoli, according to match previews. Those are tough opponents, and none of the games will be easy. But the win over Slavia shows that Sabah can compete when they stay organised and brave.
The team will want to build on this result. A few more points could keep their hopes alive of finishing high enough to reach the knockout stage. That would be a huge achievement for a club playing in the competition for the first time.
For McCarthy, the next few weeks are a big test. Facing world class attackers will show how far he has come. If he keeps performing, he could attract even more attention from bigger clubs in the future. For now, though, his focus will be on helping Sabah win more matches.
You can follow fixtures, line ups and standings on the official Champions League page.
A proud moment for a young defender
Aden McCarthy’s first Champions League win with Sabah is more than just three points. It is a reminder that hard work, patience and a good move can open big doors. He left Naturena only a few months ago, and he is already playing a key role in a historic result.
There is a long way to go, and Sabah face a tough run of games. Still, this was a night to enjoy. A tough defeat was followed by a strong response, and a South African played every minute of it.
Fans back home will be watching with pride as the next match approaches.
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