Boyz, T&T stalemate; Curacao run rampant
McClaren: Trinidad took risks which they had to do, a lot of risks, a lot of balls into our box ...
Published:Friday | November 14, 2025 | 12:10 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
The race for the top spot in Group B will come down to the final day as Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago played out a 1-1 draw at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Concacaf World Cup Qualifying action last night.
In the group’s other match, Curacao ran rampant over Bermuda, trouncing their opponents 7-0 in dominant fashion.
Renaldo Cephas gave the Boyz the lead in the 53rd minute with a brilliant solo effort, before Kevin Molino rescued a point for Trinidad with a strike in the 85th minute.
Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren said his team fell victim of their own making following a defensive error late in the game.
“Obviously after scoring first and the way we defended, I thought we’d hold on,” he said.
“Trinidad took risks which they had to do, a lot of risks, a lot of balls into our box and just one slip up and it cost us the equaliser.”
It was a lacklustre first half from the Boyz as the opening stanza was summed up by misplaced passes, cheap turnovers and a lack of attacking intent.
Trinidad started the better of the two teams and found space down the wings with Tyrese Spicer and Levi Garcia playing well.
Garcia broke free on a counter attack in the 25th minute and danced past Richard King in the box.
However, his shot whistled inches wide of the far post.
McClaren was forced to make an early substitution as King hobbled off the field injured and was replaced by Damion Lowe.
Trinidad continued to press for the opener with a dangerous ball into the box that almost found Dante Sealy, but was closed down by Greg Leigh.
Captain Andre Blake was forced to make a last-ditch save in the 37th minute, as Spicer, buoyed by the home crowd, sent a torrid shot at goal.
Jonathan Russell felt he gave the Boyz the lead when he headed home in the 39th minute, but his goal was called back as VAR ruled him offside.
The teams entered the half time break level, with Dwight Yorke’s Trinidad the happier of the two teams.
Cephas gave Jamaica the lead against the run of play when he ran free on the counter, dismissed his marker and found the back of the net.
Garcia again proved a nuisance for the Boyz backline, this time heading inches wide of the post in the 71st minute.
The veteran striker Molino proved his pedigree as in the dying moments, he fired home from close range to pull the home team level.
MUST-WIN GAME
By virtue of the night’s results, Curacao have taken control of Group B as they move to the top spot with 11 points.
Following close behind are Jamaica, who are still in touching distances with 10.
Trinidad, needing a win on the night, are now out of contention for a World Cup spot as they sit third with six, ahead of winless Bermuda who sit rooted at the foot of the table without a point.
Jamaica now face a must-win game against Curacao at the National Stadium on November 18, if they are to automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Curacao, on the other hand, only need to avoid defeat as the Dutch island are chasing their first-ever World Cup appearance.
McClaren said he always knew the final game was going to be the deciding factor and has once again called on the support of Jamaican fans at the National Stadium.
“We knew it would come down to the last game, and so it will be. What we need on Tuesday is a great performance in front of 35,00 people. It is important for the Jamaicans to come and support us and make Tuesday a great occasion.”