BENNI MISSES WEDDING DAY MATCH
FC Porto striker Benni McCarthy is to miss South Africa’s opening World Cup qualifier next weekend because he is getting married but will be available for the key tie against Ghana later next month, officials said on Thursday.
McCarthy, 26, marries his Spanish girlfriend in Vigo on June 5, the same day that South Africa play their opening group two qualifier against the Cape Verde Islands in Bloemfontein.
But officials said the striker would be available for the potentially critical group match against Ghana in Kumasi on June 20.
McCarthy, who featured for his club as a late substitute in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League final victory over Monaco, refused to play for South Africa at the African Nations Cup finals in Tunisia earlier this year after a row over the length of his time away from his Portuguese club.
The forward, who finished as the top goal scorer in Portugal this season, announced his ‘retirement’ from international soccer after the dispute.
But new South Africa coach Stuart Baxter has met with McCarthy and persuaded him to make a return to the side as South Africa start their bid to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.
McCarthy has scored 22 goals in 51 appearances for his country
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