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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has scored some of the best goals from his club career with the likes of FC Porto and Blackburn Rovers and his international exploits with South Africa's Bafana Bafana.
Benni McCarthy, the current Harambee Stars head coach, is not only celebrated for his coaching achievements but also revered for a storied playing career that saw him score some unforgettable goals.
The South African legend, who is Bafana Bafana’s all-time leading scorer with 31 goals in 76 appearances, made a successful transition from striker to tactician, taking charge of clubs like Cape Town City, AmaZulu, and even serving as a first-team coach at Manchester United before taking on the Harambee Stars job.
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McCarthy’s club career began in 1995 at just 18 years old with South African side Seven Stars.
His talent took him to European powerhouses, most notably FC Porto under Jose Mourinho and Blackburn Rovers in the English Premier League.
Over his career, he scored an impressive 143 club goals, many of them spectacular.
Here is a look at five of Benni McCarthy's five best goals.
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5. Clinical Finish for Blackburn Rovers – UEFA Cup Qualifiers (2006/07)
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During the qualifying stages of the 2006/07 UEFA Cup, McCarthy showed his class for English side Blackburn Rovers in both legs of a crucial fixture Salzburg.
In one standout moment in the second leg, McCarthy received the ball under pressure, spun past his marker with ease, and beat the goalkeeper at the near post from far range.
His efforts helped Rovers advance to the group stage
4. Thunderbolt Against Juventus – Europa League (1999/00)
While at Celta Vigo in the 1999/00 Europa League, McCarthy gave a sensational display in a Europa League Round of 16 the Italians against Juventus.
The South African unleashed a stunner from the edge of the box with a first touch hit that left the Juventus goalkeeper nothing but helpless.
Celta lost in the quarter-finals to Lens, but his brace against Juventus would still be one of the best individual performances in McCarthy’s career.
3. Four Goals in 13 Minutes – AFCON Group Stage (1998)
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During a 1998 Africa Cup of Nations group stage match against Namibia, McCarthy was on fire for the Bafana Bafana.
In only 13 minutes he netted four goals, a feat the still highlights his scoring nature. His second goal in particular was a stand out as he unleashed a venomous long-shot from the edge of the box
2. Champions League Brilliance vs Manchester United – (2003/04)
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An example of McCarthy's finest performance came in the UEFA Champions League, Round of 16 when played for FC Porto.
Under Jose Mourinho McCarthy scored a brace against English giants Manchester United during the first leg where he did a half-volley on the drop of the ball and as well as an angled looping header beautifully placed.
His goals were essential to take Porto further and they would go on to win that tournament.
1. Overhead Wonder – Celta Vigo vs Athletic Club (2002/03 La Liga)
First on the list is McCarthy's amazing strike against Athletic Club when he was at La Liga side Celta Vigo.
An incredible acrobatic strike his overhead kick remains one of La Liga's best goals and one of the best goals of his career.
From the streets of Cape Town to coaching on the international stage, Benni McCarthy’s journey is a testament to his talent.
While he now guides the likes of Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga and others from the touchline, his playing legacy continues to inspire with these five goals serving as shining examples of his brilliance.
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