The ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup quarterfinals commenced with a series of thrilling encounters on Saturday, dramatically reshaping the standings in both Zone A and Zone B. Stadium East and Winchester Park served as the backdrop for a day defined by resilience, tactical shifts, and decisive goals.
In the opening match at Stadium East, Charlie Smith High orchestrated a remarkable comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Hydel High. Despite conceding an early goal to Mario Nelson in the 30th minute and subsequently missing a penalty kick, Charlie Smith displayed formidable determination. Their fortunes turned in the 61st minute when an own goal from Hydel’s Damari Bowen leveled the score. The comeback was completed just three minutes later as Neyo Drummond fired home, capitalizing on a penetrating assist from Orlando Grant, who redeemed himself after his earlier penalty miss.
Eugene Williams, the victorious Charlie Smith coach, lauded his team’s character. “We are at a stage of the competition where nothing is going to come easy. Nothing at all,” Williams stated, emphasizing his squad’s ability to overcome adversity. Conversely, Hydel’s coach Alex Thomas lamented his team’s drop in concentration after conceding the equalizer, noting a critical lapse in energy during the second half.
In the day’s feature encounter, Jamaica College (JC) clinched an identical 2-1 win against Excelsior High. JC established an early lead with a 15th-minute goal from Jamoy Dennis. Excelsior’s prolific striker Kimarly Scott responded on the stroke of halftime, netting his 17th goal of the season in the 45+3 minute. The match seemed destined for a draw until the 88th minute, when Duwayne Burger, a former Kingston College player, chested home a precise cross from Jamone Lyle to seal the victory for JC.
The results propelled both Charlie Smith High and Jamaica College to the top of Zone A on matching records.
Meanwhile, in Zone B action, the standings were upended by a significant upset. Vauxhall High delivered a stunning 1-0 victory over Calabar High at Winchester Park. In another match, Eltham High dominated St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) with a commanding 4-1 victory at the Spanish Town Prison Oval. This decisive win, combined with other results, elevated Eltham to the summit of Zone B on goal difference, setting the stage for a highly competitive conclusion to the quarterfinal stage.