BAYAMON, Puerto Rico (CMC) — Portmore United launched their bid for the Caribbean Football Union’s Club Championship title after stopping Scholars International of Cayman Islands 2-0, on Tuesday.

Kareem Manning struck twice in the first-half to secure the victory for Portmore – the only Jamaica side left in the competition – following the exit of Montego Bay United.

Manning struck in the fourth and 21st minutes from open play to give the Jamaica Premiership side a winning start to the group.

In the other match, Puerto Rico, the home team, prevailed 1-0 over SV Transvaal of Suriname in the Group D matches at the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium.

 A first-half penalty converted by Hector ‘Pito’ Ramos was sufficient to see Puerto Rico FC to the win and three points.

PRFC is owned by New York Knicks basketball star Carmelo Anthony and play in the North American Soccer League in the second tier of the sport in the United States.

The group play continues on Thursday, when Portmore face Transvaal before PRFC tackle Scholars International.

The CFU Club Championship is the qualifying tournament for the CONCACAF Champions League.