Benni McCarthy vs Shaun Bartlett
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.
Shaun Bartlett
South Africa · 1996–2001 · ST
- Almanac rating
- 83
- Rank in South Africa
- #8 of 33
- Caps
- 74 · 28 goals
- Clubs
- Cape Town Spurs, FC Zürich, Charlton Athletic
Charlton were leading Leicester 1-0 at The Valley on 1 April 2001 when Bartlett, on loan from Zurich, hit the left-foot volley that won the BBC goal of the season. Second only to Benni McCarthy among South Africa's scorers, with 29 goals in 74 caps, he won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, scored twice at France 98, and made the Team of the Tournament when Bafana took third place in 2000. Career record: 74 caps and 28 goals for South Africa; club career at Cape Town Spurs, FC Zürich, 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.