LONDON, England, (CMC) – Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors in the opening match of the Unity Cup here at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, Tuesday.
The win secures Jamaica’s place in the final, set for May 31st, where they will face either Ghana or Nigeria.
Kasey Palmer opened the scoring for Jamaica in the 25th minute, sending the Reggae Boyz into the break with a 1-0 advantage. The lead was doubled early in the second half when Rumarn Burrell produced a spectacular acrobatic finish, seemingly putting Jamaica in control after 53 minutes.
However, Trinidad and Tobago responded almost instantly, with Isaiah Leacock pulling a goal back just moments later. The Soca Warriors then completed their comeback when captain Kevin Molino nodded in a header to level the score in the 69th minute.
With the match seemingly headed for extra time and penalties, Jamaica was awarded a second penalty in the dying moments when Renaldo Cephas was brought down inside the area by veteran T&T custodian Marvin Phillip.
Defender Richard King held his nerve, converting from the spot in 90-plus minutes to seal a dramatic late winner and send the Reggae Boyz into the final.