Gripping action forecast as teams make push for D’Cup semi-final berths
SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth — The remaining two semi-finalists in the ISSA/Wata daCosta Cup football competition are to be known today following the playing of the final set of quarter-final games in what is expected to be a gripping round of matches.
With defending champions Clarendon College and Glenmuir High, who will meet at Manchester High, already qualifying from Group A, three schools — Dinthill Technical, BB Coke High and Garvey Maceo High — are still in contention from Group B.
With a place in the first round of the lucrative ISSA Champions Cup quarter-finals also at stake, it is expected the competition will be fierce.
Dinthill Technical will only need a point to return to the semi-finals for the first time since the 2021 season, but BB Coke High, the Cinderellas of the competition, are ambitious and are eyeing their first-ever spot in the final four.
Dinthill Technical are coming off back-to-back wins, including a 3-0 victory over the previously unbeaten Garvey Maceo High, an upset for most, and will be full of confidence.
After their 2-1 win over Cornwall College at Jarrett Park on Saturday, BB Coke High, who were battered 4-0 by Garvey Maceo in their first quarter-final game, are confident.
Still basking in the euphoria of their win over Cornwall College, BB Coke High’s Head Coach Kemar Ricketts had told the Jamaica Observer that “we are at home against Dinthill next with a solid chance and we just need to plan prepare and execute”.
BB Coke High will hope Jahmaul Wright, who bagged a 13 minute brace against Cornwall College, and Semar Williams can break down the Dinthill Technical defence that has given up just five goals all season.
The BB Coke High defence has given up five goals in their last two games and Dinthill Technical’s Tyrese Gowe, Giovanni Afflick and Shemar Hutchinson will hope they can exploit any weaknesses.
Garvey Maceo are also still in the race for a semi-final spot, despite their loss on Saturday and a win today against a badly wounded Cornwall College could revive their hopes.
Cornwall College can only hope for a near miracle as they would have to beat Garvey Maceo by a wide margin, after scoring just once goal in their last two games, and hope Dinthill Technical beat BB Coke.
Cornwall College would need to beat Garvey Maceo by at least three clear goals to have any hopes.
The Clarendon College vs Glenmuir High game should be exciting as with both schools already through, they can throw caution to the wind and play expansive football.
Clarendon College are unbeaten in daCosta Cup in 35 games dating back to last season when they were unbeaten in 20 games on their way to the title and they will hope to maintain that record today.
Glenmuir High are back in the semi-finals since 2014 when they lost to Clarendon College, but will be full of confidence.
Today’s Games
Clarendon College vs Glenmuir High – Manchester High
Christiana High vs Manchester High – Brooks Park
BB Coke High vs Dinthill Technical – STETHS
Garvey Maceo High vs Cornwall College – Glenmuir High
*All games start at 3:00 pm