Jamaica tighten grip on Group B with 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago

On the very day Jamaica mourned the passing of football icon Allan “Skill” Cole, the Reggae Boyz delivered a fitting tribute at the National Stadium.

Backed by more than 25,000 supporters, they claimed a 2-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in Tuesday’s Concacaf World Cup qualifier, cementing their place at the summit of Group B.

It was a performance that transcended the scoreboard—an emotional salute to one of the nation’s greatest ever players.

Cadamarteri opens his account

The opener arrived in the 36th minute, sparked by a determined header from Greg Leigh into the penalty area. Young forward Bailey Cadamarteri stole a march on the Trinidad defense, spun sharply, and drilled low past Denzil Smith. It was the Leeds-born striker’s first senior international goal, scored on only his second cap and debut at home.

Trinidad, however, had already endured heartbreak when stand-in captain Levi Garcia saw a fine strike in the 29th minute cancelled by VAR for a fractional but correct offside—the first of three chalked-off efforts for him on the night.

Russell doubles the advantage

Just before the hour mark, Jamaica struck again. A defensive miscue by Kobi Henry presented the ball to Jon Russell, who was clearly in an offside position and he gratefully lashed home in the 57th minute. After another lengthy VAR check, the goal stood—classified as a deliberate backpass and not a deflection.

The Soca Warriors continued to fight, and Garcia twice more found the net (63rd and 71st), but each time the flag and technology intervened.

Warriors falter despite the numbers

By the final whistle, Trinidad had dominated possession (55 percent), fashioned 13 shots to Jamaica’s 10, and completed much more passes. Yet their lack of composure in both boxes proved costly.

For coach Dwight Yorke, the defeat stretched his winless run to six games, while Steve McClaren celebrated a second consecutive clean sheet to close the first window with six points from two matches, even as unconvincing as they were.

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Elsewhere in the Qualifiers

In Willemstad, Curaçao edged Bermuda 3-2, thanks to a late winner from Tyrese Noslin after early goals from Tahith Chong (14’, 26’). Bermuda rallied through Kane Crichlow (35’) and Djair Parfitt-Williams (42’) before Noslin struck in the 75th.

Group C saw Costa Rica and Haiti sharing six goals equally. The hosts led 2-0 before Duckens Nazon hit a sensational second-half hat-trick (55’, 58’, 86’). But heartbreak followed when Juan Vargas equalized in stoppage time. In Tegucigalpa, Honduras dispatched Nicaragua 2-0, with Romell Quioto (47’) and Alexy Vega (90+1’) on target.

What comes next

The qualifiers resume on October 10, when Jamaica visits Curaçao and Trinidad and Tobago travel to Bermuda.

Teams: Jamaica: Jahmali Waite; Damion Lowe (Mason Holgate 80’), Richard King, Dexter Lembikisa, Greg Leigh; Isaac Hayden, Kasey Palmer (Karoy Anderson 53’), Jon Russell (Jahshaun Anglin 78’); Renaldo Cephas, Tyreece Campbell (Kaheim Dixon 53’), Bailey Cadamarteri (Shamar Nicholson 78’).
Booked: Palmer (24’), Hayden (43’), Dixon (87’), Lembikisa (90+4’).
Subs not used: Kemar Foster, Tafari Chambers, Jamoi Topey, Ronaldo Webster, Kevon Lambert, Warner Brown, Michail Antonio.

Trinidad and Tobago: Denzil Smith; Noah Powder, Kobi Henry, Josiah Trimmingham, Rio Cardines; Tyrese Spicer (Kaïlé Auvray 74’), Andre Rampersad, Wayne Frederick (Jerrin Jackie 74’), Dante Sealy (Ryan Telfer 65’); Levi Garcia (Justin Obikwu 74’), Steffen Yeates (Nathaniel James 65’).
Booked: None.
Subs not used: Jabari St. Hillaire, Marvin Phillip, Andre Raymond, Darnell Hospedales, Isaiah Garcia, Justin Garcia, Real Gill.

Referee: Mario Escobar (Guatemala)

Assistant Referees: Luis Ventura (El Salvador), Humberto Panjoj (Guatemala)

Fourth Official: Sergio Reyna (Guatemala)

VAR: Diego Ojer (Spain)

Group B Standings