Haiti end Jamaica’s unbeaten run with stunning 4-0 rout
Key Points(5)
- Haiti delivered a commanding statement in the Caribbean Football Union Boys’ Under-14 Challenge Series final Sunday, overwhelming defending champions Jamaica 4-0 at Cap Cana Sports City to capture the Tier I title.
- Jamaica arrived in the final having navigated the tournament without conceding a goal, winning four consecutive matches by an aggregate 8-0, including a 1-0 semifinal victory over Bermuda.
- But Haiti, already installed among the favorites after dismantling the Dominican Republic 6-1 in their semifinal, proved a different proposition.
- Their combination of technical quality, speed and sustained attacking pressure eventually broke Jamaica’s resistance and ended the defending champions’ unbeaten run in the competition.
- Haiti seize control before halftime Haiti dictated the opening exchanges, pushing Jamaica deep and probing repeatedly around the penalty area.
Haiti delivered a commanding statement in the Caribbean Football Union Boys’ Under-14 Challenge Series final Sunday, overwhelming defending champions Jamaica 4-0 at Cap Cana Sports City to capture the Tier I title.
Jamaica arrived in the final having navigated the tournament without conceding a goal, winning four consecutive matches by an aggregate 8-0, including a 1-0 semifinal victory over Bermuda.
But Haiti, already installed among the favorites after dismantling the Dominican Republic 6-1 in their semifinal, proved a different proposition.
Their combination of technical quality, speed and sustained attacking pressure eventually broke Jamaica’s resistance and ended the defending champions’ unbeaten run in the competition.
Haiti seize control before halftime
Haiti dictated the opening exchanges, pushing Jamaica deep and probing repeatedly around the penalty area.
Ronelson Janvier came close in the 16th minute when his effort was blocked, and moments later he created an even more dangerous opportunity. Messi Jean released Janvier, who slipped beyond his defender and found himself one-on-one with Jamaica goalkeeper Knevoy Brown.
Brown stood tall, denying the attempted chip and offering Jamaica a crucial reprieve.
The pressure, however, continued.
In the 28th minute, Haiti finally found the breakthrough. Janvier laid the ball off to Jodeley Sheeck Delmas, who made no mistake, calmly guiding his finish into the bottom-left corner.
For Jamaica, it was a significant turning point: the first goal they had conceded throughout the tournament.
The Reggae Boyz entered halftime trailing 1-0 but still within striking distance.
Dumorne turns the final into a rout
The second half quickly changed the complexion of the contest.
Wensley Dumorne doubled Haiti’s advantage in the 39th minute, striking from inside the penalty area and placing Jamaica under mounting pressure.
Brown continued to fight to keep his team alive, producing another important save in the 46th minute to deny Marvens Fenelon.
But Haiti were relentless.
Jean Paul soon set up Dumorne, who showcased the individual quality that had troubled Jamaica throughout the match. He beat two defenders before firing past Brown to complete his brace and push Haiti three goals clear.
With Jamaica unable to regain control, Haiti went in search of the finishing blow.
They found it in the 59th minute.
Janvier beat his defender before calmly slotting the ball into the net, completing a four-goal performance that reflected Haiti’s dominance and sealing the championship.
Reynolds points to areas for improvement
Jamaica head coach Vassell Reynolds acknowledged that his team competed well during the opening half but said Haiti’s technical superiority ultimately made the difference.
“I thought we did well in the first half. We were very competitive but we conceded a goal at a critical moment of the game.
“We knew the Haitian team was a pretty good one. Technically they are very competent and fast with the ball and they proved that today,” he said.
Reynolds said the defeat also highlighted several areas that Jamaica must address as the players continue their development.
“It’s important we continue to work on the speed of players, including speed of thought, our technical capacity and fitness also have some room for improvement.
“It was (a) difficult (game), especially the fact that we came in the game unbeaten with a clean sheet,” Reynolds said.
Haiti collect individual honors
The final whistle triggered celebrations from the Haitian contingent as they lifted the 2026 CFU Boys’ Under-14 Challenge Series Tier I trophy.
Delmas, whose opening goal set Haiti on their way, finished the tournament as the leading goalscorer, while Dumorne was rewarded for his outstanding contribution with the Most Valuable Player award.
For Jamaica, the final marked a sharp departure from an otherwise impressive tournament campaign. After four matches without conceding, the defending champions encountered a Haiti side capable of turning sustained pressure into decisive attacking moments.
The 4-0 defeat not only ended Jamaica’s title defense but also underscored the technical and developmental work Reynolds believes remains necessary for the next generation of Jamaican players.
