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Jamaica take charge in Concacaf Group B
September 10, 2025
THE Reggae Boyz took firm control of their Concacaf Group B World Cup qualifiers when they turned back regional rivals Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 at the National Stadium last night.
Bailey Cadamarteri (36th minute) and Jon Russell (57th) led the way for the Reggae Boyz, who moved to six points, two more than Curacao, who defeated Bermuda 3-2 in the group's other match. Jamaica had beaten Bermuda 4-0 in their opening match of the qualifiers last Friday
"What we wanted first was to win. We started the game so well. The first 20-25 minutes we had opportunities to score. The first goal is always important and we had luck, with the first goal for Trinidad being disallowed," head coach Steve McClaren said.
"The first goal was important and we got it and then what we did was kind of control the game, in and out of possession. The win is a great credit to the players because it's a young inexperienced team.
Jamaica did all of the early attacking, in search of a go-ahead goal but the Trinidadians kept them at bay, despite some early pressure, especially down the left through Renaldo Cephas.
However, Trinidad, who offered very little, if not nothing, in attack in the early minute, kept things tight at the back.
Trinidad started to get into the game after the 15th minute and kept the Jamaicans honest and on their their toes, and they believed they got the opener 30 minutes into the match. However, the the goal was overturned for offside, after a VAR review.
Jamaica took the lead soon after when Cadamarteri made space in the box and fired a low shot past Denzel Smith in goal.
Tyrece Campbell had a great chance to.make it 2-0 just before the break, but his tame shot was easily handled by Smith.
The introduction of Kaheim Dixon gave the home team a big boost, and in the 53rd minute the winger's cross was headed on by a Trinidad defender and Russell guided the ball past Smith from six yards.
Trinidad thought they had a goal back a few minutes after, but Levi Garcia's effort was again ruled offside, after another VAR review.
Cadamarteri then had a good chance to extend the home team's lead but his weak shot was saved by Smith.
Trinidad must have been cursing their luck after they had another goal ruled out for offside in the 72nd minute.
Shamar Nicholson should have made it 3-0 for Jamaica after he was played through by Dixon but he could not keep his shot on target.
Trinidad coach Dwight Yorke said it was not the result they were looking for.
"Clearly the result is not the one we wanted. It's been a bit of a bitter blow for us. We felt we've done enough to come away with something from the game but unfortunately that hasn't happened and we are leaving Jamaica with empty hands," he said.
