JC into Champions Cup final after beating STATHS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica College (JC) secured their place in the final of the ISSA Champions Cup KO on Saturday after beating St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) 5-4 on penalties after the teams played out a 1-1 draw after regulation 90 minutes at the National Stadium.
It was Jamaica College’s fourth Champions Cup final and first since 2018 when they were beaten by Cornwall College and their second semi-final win after beating Mona High in the Manning Cup semi-final earlier in the week.
In what was a repeat of the 2019 Manning Cup final, both teams created numerous scoring chances during the game but the goalkeepers Rassico Rose of Jamaica College and Jaheem Williams of STATHS were both outstanding.
Alec Benny, a Trinidadian national, gave JC the lead in the 26th minute when he danced his way past two STATHS defenders and beat Williams with a left footer from close range.
Andre Salmon equalised in the 45th minute when he curled a shot past Rose from the left channel into the far corner of the goal.
Jamaica College made five substitutions just before the 60-minute mark and that helped swing the game into their favour but Williams was equal to everything they threw at him.
It was as close in the shootout as it was in the game as only a miss by Alexavier Gooden, hitting the underside of the crossbar that made the difference with JC being perfect with their five attempts.
Romain Blake, Renson Sayers, Kevaughn Wilson, Maquan Aldridge and Tarick Ximines, scored for Jamaica College in the penalty shoot-out.
Shakeone Satchwell, Omar Reid, Delaney Whyte and Namar Nelson, scored for STATHS.