Naparima College secured their second Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) championship of the 2025 season with an emphatic 4-0 triumph over Presentation College San Fernando in the Coca-Cola South Zone Intercol final. The decisive match unfolded at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium on December 1, showcasing Naparima’s formidable offensive capabilities against their city rivals.
The match’s narrative transformed dramatically in the second half when striker Riquelme Phillips delivered a spectacular hat-trick performance. Substitute Xarion France compounded Presentation’s distress with a clinical fourth goal during extra time, sealing Naparima’s commanding victory. This triumph propels Naparima into the National Intercol quarter-finals, positioning them for a potential triple crown of SSFL titles this season.
Presentation College initially demonstrated promising momentum during the opening minutes, earning a penalty opportunity in the fourth minute after Naparima defender Sebastian James fouled striker Isaiah Jacob in the box. However, Naparima goalkeeper Mikhail Clement anticipated perfectly, diving left to deny Jacob’s spot kick in what became a pivotal turning point.
The Lions maintained territorial dominance throughout the first fifteen minutes but gradually yielded control as Naparima established midfield superiority. Despite several scoring chances from Jacob, Presentation consistently lacked the finishing precision required to convert opportunities into goals.
The match evolved into a midfield stalemate during the latter first half, with Naparima’s Jabari Rodriguez, Jayden Caprietta, and Jacob O’Reilly applying sustained pressure on Presentation’s defensive lines. Both teams remained scoreless at halftime despite numerous attempts.
Naparima emerged from the break with renewed offensive intensity. The breakthrough arrived in the 63rd minute when defender Camron Bovell’s long aerial pass triggered defensive miscommunication between Presentation’s goalkeeper Marcelo Phillip and his defender. Phillips capitalized on the collision, expertly lofting a shot into the far post beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.
Thirteen minutes later, O’Reilly executed a strategic steal in Presentation’s territory, delivering a perfectly weighted pass to Phillips who finished clinically against the outrushing goalkeeper. Phillips completed his hat-trick in the 85th minute through coordinated play with Caprietta, expertly shifting to his left foot before firing into the top right corner.
The final blow came during added time when substitutes Arron Raymond and France combined effectively, with France delivering a powerful right-footed finish that eliminated any remaining hope for Presentation. The victory reinforces Naparima’s status as premier contenders while Presentation must regroup for subsequent seasons.