KINGSTON, Jamaica – A historic chapter unfolded at the National Stadium on Friday as Excelsior High School triumphed over Jamaica College with a 2-0 victory to clinch the prestigious ISSA Wata Manning Cup. This monumental win shattered a 21-year championship dry spell for the institution, marking their first title since 2004 and securing their eighth overall Manning Cup victory.
The match’s turning point arrived in the 57th minute when Kimarley Scott expertly found the back of the net, breaking the deadlock and sending Excelsior supporters into a frenzy. As the clock ticked into stoppage time following the regulation 90 minutes, Kivann Salmon delivered the decisive blow, cementing the victory and ensuring the trophy’s return to Excelsior.
This victory represents a monumental resurgence for an Excelsior program that had endured more than two decades without claiming the championship. In stark contrast, the outcome delivered profound disappointment for a formidable Jamaica College squad. Entering the final as undefeated seasonal favorites, JC suffered their first and only defeat of the campaign in the most crucial match of the year, dashing their championship aspirations.