The 22-year-old scored for Azerbaijani outfit Sabah FK in their 2-1 defeat to the German side on Tuesday night, marking a significant milestone in his career since leaving Amakhosi.

McCarthy, who joined Sabah from Chiefs in July, rose to head home in the 39th minute, cancelling out Dortmund’s early advantage and giving the hosts hope of securing a positive result against one of Europe’s established clubs.

Although Sabah ultimately suffered defeat, the left-footed defender was encouraged by his team’s performance and believes the match demonstrated that smaller clubs can compete against formidable opposition.

Speaking after the game, McCarthy admitted that he had not anticipated scoring but was delighted with how the opportunity unfolded.

“I never expected to score, I do not plan for these things, but it just happened in the moment and I am very happy,” he said, per AnewZ.

The former Chiefs defender also expressed confidence that his first goal for Sabah could be the beginning of many more, highlighting its significance for his development abroad.

“I am really happy with the goal I scored, and I believe that this goal will be the beginning of many goals in the future. This goal is very important for my career,” he added.

McCarthy also drew encouragement from Sabah’s ability to challenge Dortmund, despite acknowledging that lapses in concentration and missed opportunities ultimately proved costly.

“It shows that these things are possible no matter who you come up against, the ball is round and anything is possible,” he said.

“As long as you put yourself into those positions to score, it can happen and it showed it tonight.”

The defender admitted that Sabah had opportunities to make a greater impact but could not capitalise on key moments during the contest.

McCarthy and his teammates will now turn their attention to domestic football, with a league clash against Qarabag scheduled for this weekend.

Sabah are then set to resume their Champions League campaign away against Norwegian side Viking FK on 4 November, where McCarthy will hope to build on his memorable European breakthrough.

Bunene Ngaduane: Kaizer Chiefs signing Christian Saile Basomboli must stay focused