Coach Gordon Igesund recalled the Orlando Pirates striker last night to replace Edward Manqele, who pulled a hamstring in Mamelodi Sundowns' 2-0 defeat by Maritzburg United yesterday.

Manqele had been called up to replace the injured Siyabonga Nomvethe but his injury - he will be out for two months - forced Igesund to turn to the veteran McCarthy for Friday's international friendly against 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil in São Paulo. George Maluleke was also called up yesterday.

Earlier, Bafana were rocked by injuries to skipper Steven Pienaar and right-back Anele Ngcongca.

"Nomvethe is devastated, just as I am, but that is part of a soccer career," said Igesund.

It is understood that some Safa officials are unhappy with the withdrawal of Pienaar, who is still trying to settle down at Everton after rejoining them on a permanent basis during the off-season. This followed the expiry of his loan deal at Spurs.