Benni McCarthy vs Mark Fish
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.
Mark Fish
South Africa · 1995–98 · CB
- Almanac rating
- 83
- Rank in South Africa
- #7 of 33
- Caps
- 62 · 2 goals
- Clubs
- Orlando Pirates, Bolton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic
The quarter-final against Algeria in January 1996 was goalless into the 72nd minute when Fish, a centre back, scored the first goal of a night that ended 2-1 to South Africa. He lifted that Africa Cup of Nations a week later, had won the African Cup of Champions Clubs with Orlando Pirates in 1995, was runner-up in 1998, and made the Team of the Tournament in 1996, 1998 and at the 1997 Confederations Cup. Career record: 62 caps and 2 goals for South Africa; club career at Orlando Pirates, Bolton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic.
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.