Jamaica maintained their perfect start in the 2026 Men’s Under-17 World Cup qualifiers with a resounding 12-0 victory over the Cayman Islands, leaving group rivals, particularly Canada, under mounting pressure in Group G.
The win, secured Sunday in Costa Rica, showcased the attacking prowess and depth of the young Reggae Boyz, with striker Kelvin Brown leading the charge with four goals.
The dominance was apparent from the first minute. Brown fired home the opener almost immediately, signaling Jamaica’s intent. The scoring continued relentlessly: Jahmarie Nolan added the second in the 17th minute, followed closely by Jamone Lyle, who scored a third from the edge of the box.
Brown then struck again in the 44th minute, with Nolan rounding off a scintillating first-half display in stoppage time with his second goal, leaving Jamaica 5-0 ahead at halftime.
Second-half surge extends lead
Jamaica wasted no time building on their first-half dominance. Jaedon Morgan struck three minutes into the second half to make it 6-0. Moments later, an own goal by Cayman’s Williams Kirksey pushed the tally to 7-0, before Lyle added his second in the 58th minute to make it 8-0.
Brown then completed his hat trick with two quickfire strikes in the 72nd and 73rd minutes. Tyraun Bembridge capped the rout with goals in the 76th and 88th minutes, sealing an emphatic 12-0 win for Jamaica.
The victory places Jamaica at the top of Group G with six points and a remarkable goal difference of +15, ahead of second-placed Canada, who also have six points but a goal difference of +7 following a 5-1 win over Aruba.
With such a commanding performance, the Young Reggae Boyz have sent a clear message to the rest of the group: they are serious contenders for qualification to the 2026 Under-17 World Cup.
Heroics of Kelvin Brown and supporting cast
Brown’s four-goal haul highlighted his finishing prowess and composure under pressure. However, the performance was a collective effort, with Nolan, Lyle, Morgan, and Bembridge all contributing to a balanced, high-intensity attack.
The early dominance, quick passing, and clinical finishing suggest Jamaica is peaking at the right time as the qualifiers progress.
