Curacao dethroned the Reggae Boyz 2-1 to claim the kingship of Caribbean in the final of the Scotiabank CFU Caribbean Cup at the Stade Pierre Aliker stadium, in Martinique, on Sunday.
Elson Hooi was the hero for the tiny Eastern Caribbean team as he netted twice to hand the heavily favored Jamaicans an unexpected defeat. Hooi put Curacao in front at the 10 minute mark when he beat goalkeeper Andre Blake with the help of a deflection. Rosario Harriott gave the Jamaicans, who struggled to breach a resolute defense, a lifeline in the 83rd minute when he snuck in at the back post to struck the ball past Curacao custodian Eloy Room.
But Hooi spoiled the party two minutes later, when he lashed another shot past a fledgling Blake.
The win marked the first time the Dutch-speaking country were claiming the title. Despite the loss, however, Jamaica had already qualified for direct entry to the CONCACAF Gold Cup, along with champions Curacao.
