Trinidad & Tobago’s Digicel Caribbean Championships dream came to an end, at the hands of rivals Jamaica, as two of the tournament favorites played out to a 1-1 draw.
No matter the permutations, this was seen as the match of the round by most patrons, as supporters came out in larger numbers. What they witnessed during the opening quarter of an hour would make them wonder where the team who already had 6 goals in their Finals campaign had gone, as Jamaica seemed gun-shy in the opening moments, instead opting to frustrate T&T with their superior passing.
Trinidad had no option but to be direct and in minute 16 they offered their first threat to Ricketts in goal. The first half tempo was slow and deliberate with Jamaica wanting to conserve energy for the Semi-Finals. But despite the slowed speed, Jamaica got a selection scare when Demar Phillips pulled up clutching his right thigh and had to be substituted. The highlight of the first half came when a cross field pass found Luton Shelton at the far post; the speedy front man brought it down on his chest before firing just wide of the near post.
The second half showed some signs of life as in minute 47 Eric Vernan seemed to defy the laws of physics when his right footed shot from the right goal line somehow went in off the far post, for the Portmore call-up’s second goal of the tournament and second as a senior National representative, a statistic that should be an encouraging sign for coaching team John Barnes and Theodore Whitmore. What may cause the coaches concern is that Vernan’s effort was Jamaica’s first shot on target in 47 minutes.
Rudolph Austin picked up the shooting percentage when his 25 yard freekick from a central position forced Jan Michael Williams to punch over the bar two fisted. But Trinidad would get a late chance at redemption and a glimmer of hope when at the other end Donovan Ricketts spilled a cross he should have caught, and indeed did at first, into the path of Errol Mcfarlane for the tap in.
Sadly Trinidad & Tobago will not be able to tap into the semi-finals as they fall short of what was needed and therefore allow Grenada through to the next round as second placed finishers, as Group A of the Digicel Caribbean Championships draws to a close.
Jamaica (Team List): 1. Donovan Ricketts, 3. Demar Stewart, 7. Dane Richards, 8. Eric Vernan, 9. Andrew Williams, 11. Luton Shelton (2. Omar Cummings min 57) 12. Demar Phillips (19. Rafe Wolfe min 35), 14. Tyrone Marshall, 17. Rudolph Austin (6. Keniel Moodie min-73), 18.Jason Morrison, 20.Oneil Thompson
Subs: 10. Sean Fraser, 13. Dwayne Miller, 15. Obrien Woodbine, 16. Roland Dean min
Trinidad & Tobago (Team List): 1. Jan Michael Williams, 2. Clyde Leon, 4. Makan Hislop , 5. Keyeno Thomas, 6. Khaleem Hyland (10. Andre Toussaint min 73), 7. Anthony Wolfe 9. Aurtis Whitley, 11. Errol Mcfarlane, 16. Seon Power (12. Osei Telesford min-85), 17. Akilie Edwards 19. Keon Daniel (13.Cornell Glen min-62),
Subs: 3. Avery John, 8. Cyd Grey, 14. Julius James, 15. Arnold Dwarika, 21. Marvin Phillip
Referee: Roberto Moreno (PAN)