Benni McCarthy vs Doctor Khumalo
South Africa against South Africa. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Benni McCarthy
South Africa · 1998–2004 · ST
- Almanac rating
- 88
- Rank in South Africa
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 79 · 31 goals
- Clubs
- Cape Town Spurs, RC Celta de Vigo, Blackburn Rovers
Bobo-Dioulasso, 16 February 1998: McCarthy scored in the 8th, 11th, 19th and 21st minutes against Namibia, four goals before the half hour at the Africa Cup of Nations. He left Burkina Faso as top scorer and player of the tournament, then became the only South African to win the Champions League, with Porto in 2004, adding two Portuguese titles, the 2003/04 Golden Boot, an Eredivisie title at Ajax and a national record of 31 goals. Career record: 79 caps and 31 goals for South Africa; club career at Cape Town Spurs, RC Celta de Vigo, Blackburn Rovers.
Doctor Khumalo
South Africa · 1992–96 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 83
- Rank in South Africa
- #4 of 33
- Caps
- 50 · 9 goals
- Clubs
- Kaizer Chiefs, Ferro Carril Oeste, Columbus Crew
The terraces called him 16V, after the fastest engine on the road, and on 7 July 1992 at Kings Park he settled South Africa's first sanctioned international in decades with an 82nd minute penalty against Cameroon. He won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations at home, robbing two Tunisians in the final to lay on both of Mark Williams' goals, and collected the rest of his medals with Kaizer Chiefs, where he spent most of his career. Career record: 50 caps and 9 goals for South Africa; club career at Kaizer Chiefs, Ferro Carril Oeste, Columbus Crew.
The verdict
The almanac puts Benni McCarthy ahead by 5 rating points, 88 against 83.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.