Young Reggae Boyz go on a Turks and Caicos rampage

Jamaica’s Under-20 footballers recorded their second straight victory in Group B of the Concacaf U20 Qualifiers, thrashing Turks and Caicos Islands 7-0 yesterday.

The young Reggae Boyz were led to victory courtesy of two goals each from Raquel Campbell-Dennis, in the 10th and 13th minutes, and Giovanni Taylor, in the 61st and 87th.

Jahmarie Nolan in the 19th, Jabari Howell in the 30th and Orel Miller (82nd) were the other goalscorers for Jamaica. The Jamaicans, who led 4-0 at half-time, dominated the match from the opening whistle, running circles around the Turks and Caicos players deep into their opponents’ half.

They took the lead when Campbell-Dennis arrived in the centre of the 18-yard box to tap home a cross from Marlon Van De Wetering.

Campbell-Dennis, who had an outstanding first half for the junior Reggae Boyz, doubled his team’s lead three minutes later with a powerfully struck shot from close range.

Nolan then increased the Jamaicans’ lead to 3-0 six minutes later, before Howell dribbled past three defenders and curling his effort into the back of the net to put the junior Reggae Boyz in firm control at the whistle.

The Jamaicans, who are the favourites to win the group, kicked off the campaign on Monday with a 3-0 victory over Bonaire. They will play the Cayman Islands on Friday at 7 p.m., Jamaica time.

The winner of the group will advance to the Concacaf Men’s U20 Championship, where they will join the six pre-seeded teams from the region.

The U20 Championship will serve as the qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Men’s U20 World Cup as well as the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.