Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-20 men’s football team is set to clash with Jamaica’s U-20s in a series of three warm-up matches in Trinidad and Tobago.
Both nations are intensifying their preparations for the upcoming CONCACAF U-20 Men’s World Cup qualifying group stage.
The Jamaican team is beginning a residential camp in Trinidad and Tobago this week, while T&T’s head coach and former T&T international, Brian Haynes, is currently overseeing preparations with a 30-man squad.
Haynes is expected to welcome overseas-based players to join the squad later this month before finalizing the roster for Group D of the CONCACAF qualifiers.
In this group, T&T will compete against Canada, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port-of-Spain. Meanwhile, Jamaica will be in Group F, facing Bermuda, Grenada, and Martinique in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Three matches on Thursday, Sunday, and February 1
T&T and Jamaica will square off in three matches on Thursday, Sunday, and February 1, with venues and starting times to be confirmed.
Speaking about the warm-up matches, Haynes stated, “It’s going to be games against a team from the Caribbean first of all with the kind of play that we’re accustomed to. But at the same time, it’s quality games, and we are going to have to come with our best effort to show these guys that we can play, not only play but to win because as far as I’m concerned, that’s what is going to bring the crowds to the stadium. We are going to work hard and try to win games. I expect these matches to be well contested so that it serves its purpose in this phase of our preparations.”
Haynes also provided insights into the team’s progress, noting, “I’m at a point where I can start to see what the team is going to look like. Everybody is not here as yet, but all the players who are here at the moment in T&T are doing what they are supposed to do. I’ve seen improvements in the defending, into the midfield, and when we go forward, and as far as I’m concerned, all those are things that we still need to sharpen up.”
“We haven’t been good on finishing. One goal in a game of 90 minutes is good so far but we need to improve in getting more goals.”
Following the round-robin play in the CONCACAF qualifying opening round from February 23 to March 2, the top-placed team from each group will advance to the 2024 CONCACAF Men’s U-20 Championship, joining the six pre-seeded top-ranked nations.
Jamaica’s 23-man squad
Among the young talents gearing up for the qualifiers is Lindell Sween, a winger from San Juan North Secondary and Caledonia AIA. Sween, who scored a memorable free-kick against Canada at the U-17 level last year, expressed his excitement and emphasized the need for the team to come together for a successful tournament.
Sween has worked on improving his defensive skills during the current U-20 sessions and envisions breaking into the senior national team alongside his role models like Keron Cummings, Levi Garcia, Nathaniel James, and Real Gill.
Jamaica’s U-20 squad, comprising 23 players, was set to depart for Trinidad and Tobago on Monday afternoon, ready to engage in the upcoming warm-up matches and continue their preparations for the CONCACAF qualifiers.
The following 23-man squad:
Goalkeepers – Joshua Grant (Real Salt Lake), Taywane Lynch (Mount Pleasant FA), D’Jone Davis (St. George’s College); Defenders – Michael Forbes (Cavalier), Ahir Dixon (Woodstock Academy), Malachi Molina (North Texas), Ronaldo Barrett (Cavalier), Malachi Grant (Barcelona Residency Academy), Keyanni Jackson (Cavalier), Omario Henry (Cavalier); Midfielders – Christopher Ainsworth (Cavalier), Romarion Thomas (Phoenix Academy), Kobi Thomas (Inter Miami II), Kyron Horsley-McKay (Milwall F.C.), Denzel McKenzie (Phoenix Academy), Jahmani Bell (Houston Dynamo), Nickoy Gayle (Portmore United F.C.), Adrian Reid Jr. (Cavalier); Attackers – Demarion Harris (Phoenix Academy), Dunstin Cohen (Vere United F.C.), Tyrik Scott (FC Dallas), Brian Burkett (Dunbeholden), Tyrese Gowe (Dunbeholden F.C.).
