Three former titleholders have clinched their spots in the quarter-finals of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) daCosta Cup following decisive performances in Saturday’s Round of 16 matches. The competition resumed after a 37-day suspension caused by extensive damage from Category 5 Hurricane Melissa in late October.
St Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS) and Glenmuir High both secured consecutive victories to guarantee advancement. They are joined by twelve-time champions Cornwall College. Last season’s finalists McGrath High also triumphed for the second time, while Christiana High progressed automatically due to Maldon High’s withdrawal from the competition.
In a dramatic comeback, STETHS overcame a one-goal deficit against Old Harbour High, scoring three times in the final 25 minutes after their opponents were reduced to ten men. McClurd Simpson’s first-half opener for Old Harbour was canceled by Kaieem Lewis’s penalty conversion after Rayjay Smith received a second yellow card. Rahiem Whyte and Justin McPherson sealed the 3-1 victory with late goals.
Glenmuir High claimed top position in Zone 3 with a 2-1 victory over Clarendon College, putting them two points clear of defending champions Garvey Maceo. Meanwhile, Cornwall College delivered a commanding 4-0 performance against William Knibb Memorial, with Carlondo Morris netting twice after Shakeem Gibson’s opening goal.
Notable results included Kemps Hill High’s impressive 4-2 upset over previously undefeated Ocho Rios High, marking a remarkable recovery from their 4-0 defeat to STETHS last month. Manchester High faces elimination danger after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Dinthill Technical, leaving them with only one point from two matches.