KINGSTON, Jamaica — The ISSA Manning Cup football competition reignites this Friday following a one-month suspension due to Hurricane Melissa, setting the stage for a dramatic series of matches with quarterfinal implications hanging in the balance.
All eyes are fixed on Group 2, where defending champions Kingston College (KC) confront a precarious must-win scenario against Campion College. After suffering an unexpected 0-1 defeat to Hydel High in their opener, KC languishes in third place. Simultaneously, a pivotal clash between group co-leaders Calabar High and Hydel High—both holding three points—will unfold at Calabar High School. A victory for either team in this encounter would secure their advancement, while a draw coupled with a KC win would intensify the standings.
KC’s head coach, Vassell Reynolds, acknowledged the pressure while expressing confidence in his squad’s preparedness. “This is an extremely vital game at a difficult time, coming off a long layoff,” Reynolds stated. “However, we understand the situation and are well aware of what is required of us as defending champions. We expect the team to execute well.”
The intrigue extends across other groups. In Group 4, perennial contenders Jamaica College (JC), holding just a single point, face St Jago in a critical bid to keep their championship aspirations alive. They trail Mona High, who sit comfortably atop the group with three points.
Elsewhere, Group 3 features former champions St. George’s College, who are desperate for a victory against Vauxhall High after a loss in their initial match. The group is led by Charlie Smith High, who can clinch a quarterfinal berth with a win over St. Catherine High on Saturday.
A top-of-the-table showdown in Group 1 will see Excelsior High and St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), both on three points, battle for an immediate spot in the next round.
**Friday’s Fixtures:**
* **Group 1:** Tivoli Gardens vs Wolmer’s Boys (Waterhouse Mini-Stadium, 2:00 pm); STATHS vs Excelsior (Waterhouse Mini-Stadium, 4:15 pm)
* **Group 2:** Campion College vs Kingston College (Jamaica College, 2:00 pm); Calabar High vs Hydel High (Calabar High School, 3:00 pm)
* **Group 3:** St. George’s College vs Vauxhall High (St. George’s College, 3:00 pm)
* **Group 4:** Eltham High vs Mona High (Spanish Town Prison Oval, 3:00 pm); Jamaica College vs St Jago (Jamaica College, 4:15 pm)