However, the Orlando Pirates striker soon needed to be subbed himself after injuring his hamstring just before the half-time whistle in Sao Paulo.
"I was very disappointed," McCarthy told The Sowetan. "And you know what, I was feeling so nice, confident and strong. But I think 34 is getting a bit heavy now - you know the body is starting to get more delicate than previously.
"I'm just disappointed that I didn't get to express myself because I think it was an amazing opportunity for us. If there was ever a time to beat Brazil, this was it."
The injury is also set to keep South Africa's all-time record goalscorer out of their second friendly international against Mozambique on Tuesday.
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