分类： sports

WILLEMSTAD, Curacao — In a last-minute roster adjustment, Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards has been called up to the Jamaican national football team, the Reggae Boyz, ahead of their pivotal Concacaf World Cup Qualifier against Curacao. Head coach Steve McClaren confirmed that Richards, a 19-year-old winger from Chelsea, could play a significant role in Friday’s match at the Ergilio Hato Stadium. Richards is set to arrive in Curacao later today after departing from London. His inclusion comes as a response to the injury of Demarai Gray, who sustained a groin injury during training and has returned to his club, Birmingham City. Despite limited preparation time with the team, McClaren emphasized Richards’ potential contribution, citing his recent performances for Chelsea’s under-21s, where he scored twice in six appearances. Richards, who last represented Jamaica in October 2023, is expected to start as a substitute. The Reggae Boyz, currently leading Group B with six points, aim to secure a victory against Curacao, who have four points, to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match is scheduled for 7:00 pm local time (6:00 pm Jamaica time).

In a momentous celebration of athletic excellence, retired Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will be honored at the ATHLOS event this Friday at Icahn Stadium in New York. The crowning ceremony will be conducted by tennis legend Serena Williams, marking a symbolic passing of the torch between two of the greatest athletes of all time. The announcement was made by Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams’ husband and founder of ATHLOS, during an interview on CBS Mornings, where he was joined by Fraser-Pryce. Ohanian emphasized the significance of the event, stating, ‘This is about celebrating greatness and reflecting on the future of track and field, modeled after the Formula One approach.’ Fraser-Pryce, who recently retired after 18 illustrious years in the sport, expressed her desire to continue elevating track and field through her voice and influence off the track. ATHLOS has also announced that Fraser-Pryce will receive a Tiffany crown, symbolizing her lifetime of speed, excellence, and legacy.

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — In a thrilling series of matches on Wednesday, Frome Technical and Maldon High clinched their places in the round of 32 of the ISSA daCosta Cup football competition. Frome Technical staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Knockalva Technical 2-1 in a game shortened to 70 minutes due to heavy rains. Meanwhile, Maldon High ended a three-game winless streak with a dominant 5-0 victory over Green Pond High, securing their advancement from Zone A for the second consecutive year. Both teams join Cornwall College and Rusea’s High, who had already qualified earlier in the competition. The second round of the tournament is set to commence on Saturday, with 26 other teams having already secured their spots. Notable qualifiers include Cornwall College, Maldon High, Rusea’s High, Frome Technical, and several other high-performing schools. The competition continues to intensify as teams vie for the prestigious title.

In a thrilling display of resilience, defending champions Garvey Maceo Technical High School overturned a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-2 victory over Glenmuir High in a pivotal ISSA daCosta Cup Zone I playoff match on Wednesday. This win not only avenged their earlier 4-0 defeat to Glenmuir but also propelled them to the top of the points table with 24 points, two ahead of their rivals. Glenmuir’s Orane Watson initially put his team in control with goals in the 28th and 46th minutes, but Garvey Maceo’s Jihari Williams struck twice in the 52nd and 74th minutes, setting the stage for Rushane White’s decisive 81st-minute winner. The loss extended Glenmuir’s winless streak to three matches, following defeats to Kemps Hill High and a draw with Denbigh High. Meanwhile, Mannings School continued their dominant run in Zone C, completing a flawless first round with a 4-0 victory over Petersfield High. Jordan Turner led the charge with a brace, supported by goals from Kajaye Williams and Devardo Reid. Mannings’ 47 goals trail only Manchester High’s record-breaking 76 and Ocho Rios High’s 55. In other zones, Cornwall College secured back-to-back Zone A titles with a 2-0 win over Herbert Morrison Technical, while Clarendon College topped Zone H after a 4-0 thrashing of Claude McKay High. Belair High narrowly edged May Day High 1-0 in a rain-shortened Zone F match, finishing second to Manchester High. The Zone D decider between Cedric Titus and William Knibb Memorial was postponed due to inclement weather.

PARIS, France (AFP) – French football star Kylian Mbappe expressed his confidence and relaxation as he prepares for France’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the Real Madrid forward addressed his recent minor ankle injury and his seamless adaptation to life in Madrid. Mbappe, who sustained a “small niggle” in his right ankle during a match last weekend, assured fans that the injury would not hinder his performance. “The coach (Didier Deschamps) wants me to play. I don’t think there will be a major problem,” he stated. Deschamps echoed this sentiment, noting that the decision to play would depend on Mbappe’s comfort level with his ankle. The 24-year-old also reflected on his transition to Madrid after leaving Paris Saint-Germain last season, describing it as a positive change. “I’ve adapted well to Madrid. The lifestyle is different—less hectic than in Paris. I’m more relaxed there,” he shared. Despite his contentment, Mbappe remains focused on improving his game, emphasizing his current good form and goal-scoring ability. Meanwhile, Deschamps warned his team against underestimating Azerbaijan, highlighting their recent draw against Ukraine and the presence of seven Qarabag players in their squad. France, currently leading their qualifying group with two wins, will face Azerbaijan at Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes stadium on Friday before traveling to Iceland three days later.

Jamaica is on the verge of achieving a historic milestone in international football, with advanced discussions underway for the island nation to co-host matches during the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The tournament, primarily hosted by the United States and Mexico, could see Jamaica become the first Caribbean country to stage a senior World Cup match. Michael Ricketts, President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), hinted at a formal announcement scheduled for New York on October 20, 2023, confirming Jamaica’s interest in hosting. Ricketts emphasized the federation’s commitment to developing women’s football, citing the Reggae Girlz’s recent successes, including back-to-back World Cup appearances in 2019 and 2023, as evidence of Jamaica’s growing stature in the sport. The 2031 tournament will mark the fourth time the CONCACAF region has hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with other CONCACAF nations also expected to join as co-hosts. Jamaica’s bid is bolstered by government support and plans to redevelop the National Stadium, set to begin in 2026 and conclude by 2029. The upgraded facility will feature enhanced seating, lighting, media infrastructure, and green spaces, meeting international standards for major tournaments. Ricketts highlighted the teamwork and dedication behind Jamaica’s football progress, expressing gratitude to those who contributed to the sport’s development. As the Reggae Girlz prepare for the CONCACAF W Qualifiers in November, aiming for a third consecutive World Cup appearance, Jamaica’s potential role as a co-host underscores its rising influence in global football.

PARIS, France (AFP) – French football star Kylian Mbappe expressed his confidence and relaxation as he prepares for France’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the Real Madrid forward addressed his recent minor ankle injury and his seamless adaptation to life in Madrid. Mbappe, who sustained a “small niggle” in his right ankle during a match last weekend, assured fans that the injury would not hinder his performance. “The coach (Didier Deschamps) wants me to play. I don’t think there will be a major problem,” he stated. Deschamps echoed this sentiment, noting that the decision to play would depend on Mbappe’s comfort level with his ankle. The 24-year-old also reflected on his transition to Madrid after leaving Paris Saint-Germain last season, describing it as a positive change. “I’ve adapted well to Madrid. The lifestyle is different—less hectic than in Paris. I’m more relaxed there,” he shared. Despite his contentment, Mbappe remains focused on improving his game, emphasizing his current good form and goal-scoring ability. Meanwhile, Deschamps warned his team against underestimating Azerbaijan, highlighting their recent draw against Ukraine and the presence of seven Qarabag players in their squad. France, currently leading their qualifying group with two wins, will face Azerbaijan at Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes stadium on Friday before traveling to Iceland three days later.