Benni McCarthy vs Phil Masinga
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.
Phil Masinga
South Africa · 1996–98 · SS
- Almanac rating
- 82
- Rank in South Africa
- #10 of 33
- Caps
- 58 · 18 goals
- Clubs
- Jomo Cosmos, Mamelodi Sundowns, SSC Bari
Fourteen minutes into the winner-takes-all night against Congo at FNB Stadium on 16 August 1997, Masinga struck from around 30 yards, and that goal alone carried South Africa to their first World Cup. Chippa had already won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations and would finish runner-up in 1998, scoring 18 goals in 58 caps, and he played at France 98 before four seasons in Serie A with Bari. Career record: 58 caps and 18 goals for South Africa; club career at Jomo Cosmos, Mamelodi Sundowns, SSC Bari.
The verdict
The almanac puts Benni McCarthy ahead by 6 rating points, 88 against 82.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.