KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz stayed in contention for an automatic place in next year’s FIFA World Cup despite playing out a 1-1 draw in their Concacaf final-round Group B second-leg qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on Thursday.

The result saw Trinidad and Tobago being eliminated from contention for even a place in the play-offs as they are on six points with a game to go with Curacao who beat Bermuda 7-0 leading with 11 points, one more than Jamaica.

After a tepid first half which ended 0-0 and saw a Jamaican goal being ruled out for offside, Renaldo Cephas gave Jamaica the lead in the 53rd minute with a brilliant effort.

After just managing to get the ball away from their own 18 yards area, Rumarn Burrell looped a long ball out of the Jamaican defensive area to Cephas who then sprinted almost the entire Trinidad and Tobago half on the left flank, cut into the 18 yards box and fired past goalkeeper Denzil Smith into the far corner.

Trinidad and Tobago, who had to win the game to stay in contention, pulled level in the 85th minute with Kevin Molino scoring to pull them level.

The results mean that Jamaica, who are the best second placed team in the final round of qualifying, must beat Curacao in their second round game at the National Stadium on Tuesday.

— Paul Reid