Jamaica’s Under-20 men’s football team secured a 3-1 victory against Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-20 team in their recent friendly clash at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar.
This win marked a reversal of fortunes for Jamaica after their previous encounter with Trinidad and Tobago ended with a 3-2 victory for the latter.
The Jamaican team gained a morale boost as they continued preparations for the upcoming CONCACAF Under-20 Championship qualifiers. However, Trinidad and Tobago’s coach, Brian Haynes, attributed his team’s loss to what he described as “ten minutes of madness” during the first half of the match.
Pivotal role in the victory
Jamaican midfielder Denzel McKenzie played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring two impressive goals within the first 20 minutes of the game. Jamaica took a commanding 3-0 lead, with McKenzie’s second goal coming from a free kick after a handball infringement by a Trinidad and Tobago player.
Trinidad and Tobago pulled a goal back in the 41st minute when Lindell Sween capitalized on a turnover in the Jamaican half. Despite their early struggles in defense, Trinidad and Tobago showed signs of resurgence just before halftime, with Levi Jones and J’Lon Matthews coming close to scoring from long-range efforts.
In the second half, Jamaica shifted to a more counter-attacking style of play, and Trinidad and Tobago had opportunities to narrow the deficit, particularly through substitute Michael Chaves. However, they couldn’t find the finishing touch to make a significant comeback.
Will continue their preparations
Trinidad and Tobago will continue their preparations for the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship qualifiers, where they are grouped with Canada, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. The group winner will advance to the CONCACAF men’s Under-20 Championship.
Coach Haynes mentioned the possibility of a friendly encounter with a locally based Trinidad and Tobago men’s team outfit ahead of the upcoming campaign.
