标签： Jamaica

In a heart-stopping Serie A finale at San Siro, AC Milan narrowly avoided a shocking defeat against Genoa on Thursday, securing a 1-1 draw after surviving extraordinary penalty drama in stoppage time. The result grants local rivals Inter Milan a crucial three-point advantage atop the league standings.

The match reached its climax when Romanian midfielder Nicolae Stanciu sent a potential winning penalty soaring over the crossbar in the dying moments, squandering Genoa’s golden opportunity for a monumental upset. The penalty was awarded after Milan defender Davide Bartesaghi fouled Mikael Ellertsson, setting the stage for the dramatic conclusion.

Milan’s equalizer came through Portuguese forward Rafael Leão, who powered home a decisive header during second-half added time, finally breaking Genoa’s resilient defense. The visitors had taken a surprise lead just before the half-hour mark through Lorenzo Colombo, a Milan academy product currently on loan to Genoa, who capitalized against his parent club.

Despite extending their unbeaten league run to 17 matches, Milan’s dropped points proved particularly costly following Inter’s 2-0 victory over Parma the previous day. Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri emphasized the need for tactical maturity, stating his team should have created additional opportunities after their late equalizer without exposing themselves to counter-attacks.

In parallel Serie A action, veteran striker Jamie Vardy contributed both a goal and an assist for Cremonese, yet his efforts weren’t enough to secure victory as the team surrendered a two-goal halftime advantage to draw 2-2 with Cagliari. The former England international now boasts five goals in Italian football since his transfer.

The single point leaves Genoa just three points above the relegation zone as they prepare for critical matches against fellow strugglers Cagliari and Parma. For Colombo, the performance against his childhood club represented a positive step despite the heartbreaking conclusion, noting his team demonstrated character and competitive quality against one of Italy’s elite sides.

In a dramatic conclusion to the French Champions Trophy held in Kuwait City, Paris Saint-Germain emerged victorious against arch-rivals Marseille following a tense penalty shootout on Thursday. The match culminated in a 4-1 penalty decision after an electrifying 90 minutes concluded with a 2-2 deadlock.

PSG’s goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier emerged as the definitive hero of the encounter, delivering two critical saves during the penalty phase against Matt O’Riley and Hamed Traore. The decisive moment arrived when Desire Doue confidently converted the final spot-kick, securing PSG’s record-extending 14th title in this competition.

The match narrative unfolded with early dominance from PSG as Ballon d’Or recipient Ousmane Dembele exhibited exquisite technique to chip the ball over Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. Both custodians demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the match, with Rulli preventing Nuno Mendes from extending PSG’s advantage and Chevalier making remarkable saves against Emerson’s powerful strike and Igor Paixao’s header.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the closing stages when Chevalier’s challenge resulted in a penalty award after VAR intervention, which Mason Greenwood calmly converted. Marseille appeared destined for their first trophy since 2012 when William Pacho’s errant clearance confused his own goalkeeper, creating an unexpected opportunity.

However, PSG demonstrated characteristic resilience with Goncalo Ramos delivering a crucial equalizer during injury time by deftly redirecting Bradley Barcola’s cross, ultimately forcing the match into penalties.

The event was notably overshadowed by significant fan discontent regarding the overseas location, with Marseille supporters previously displaying a banner questioning the choice of Kuwait as host venue. The French Football Federation has historically moved the Super Cup internationally to promote Ligue 1 globally, with prior editions hosted across four continents.

Both teams now return to domestic commitments with PSG pursuing leadership positions in both Ligue 1 and their Champions League group, while Marseille seek to improve their standing in both competitions.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A comprehensive redevelopment plan for Jamaica’s National Stadium has been officially announced, with construction scheduled to commence in July 2027. Sports Minister Olivia Grange revealed the ambitious project during a press conference organized by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) this Wednesday.

The extensive renovation will significantly enhance the stadium’s capacity and facilities. According to Minister Grange, the project will add approximately 10,000 new seats, bringing total concert capacity to nearly 50,000 spectators. The design incorporates multiple new stands at varying elevations, with most areas receiving coverage under an expansive sweeping roof structure.

Notably, the historic grandstand will retain its original architectural integrity as it holds heritage status. Minister Grange emphasized that the iconic overhanging arch structure, which remains structurally sound since its initial construction, will be preserved unchanged due to its protected heritage designation.

During the construction phase, Stadium East will undergo refurbishment to serve as a temporary venue for smaller events typically hosted at the National Stadium. The upgraded facility will also provide enhanced warm-up areas for athletes, officials, and improved amenities for patrons.

The redevelopment will introduce state-of-the-art facilities including modernized changing rooms, dedicated medical areas for both athletes and spectators, specialized anti-doping testing facilities, concession areas, restrooms, throwing areas, and a new running track. This comprehensive upgrade aims to position Jamaica’s sporting infrastructure at international standards while preserving its historical significance.

A pivotal rescheduled Jamaica Premier League fixture is set to unfold on Wednesday at the St Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex, where Treasure Beach FC will square off against Dunbeholden FC in a 3:00 pm kickoff. This encounter, originally slated for November 12th, was postponed due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which necessitated additional recovery and preparation time for the Treasure Beach community.

The match carries significant weight in the league’s tightly contested standings. A mere four points separate sixth from twelfth place, meaning a victory for either side promises a substantial climb up the table. Dunbeholden FC currently occupies 11th place with 14 points from 11 matches, while Treasure Beach sits just below with 12 points from 12 games played. This will be their first meeting since the previous season, which saw both encounters conclude in draws.

Dunbeholden enters the match with a record of resilience in recent outings, suffering only one defeat in their last eight games. However, a pronounced offensive struggle has been their Achilles’ heel, managing a mere three goals during that span with an astonishing five matches ending in goalless stalemates. The team from St Catherine has netted only five goals all season.

Conversely, Treasure Beach looks to halt a three-game losing streak, with each defeat coming by a narrow one-goal margin. A significant boost is anticipated for the squad, which is expected to welcome back several players after fielding a depleted roster of only 15 members in their recent 1-2 loss to Montego Bay United. Both clubs will be fiercely competing for a win that would provide crucial momentum and elevate their position in the league hierarchy.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – In a startling revelation on the Beard Before Wicket Podcast, legendary West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has disclosed that his departure from Test cricket nearly eleven years ago was not voluntary but orchestrated by then-head coach Otis Gibson.

The 42-year-old cricket icon, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished Twenty20 specialists in history, asserted that despite his explicit desire to continue representing the West Indies in Test matches, team management and selectors deliberately phased him out of the longest format. Bravo emphasized that then-captain Darren Sammy held minimal influence over selection decisions during this transitional period.

‘Contrary to popular belief, I never personally decided to retire from Test cricket,’ Bravo stated unequivocally. ‘The truth is they decided to move on from me. I always tell Gibbo it was him, the selectors, and the board’s decision – that’s the God honest truth.’

During his distinguished Test career, Bravo compiled impressive statistics across 40 matches: accumulating 2,200 runs with three centuries and thirteen half-centuries at an average of 31.42, while also claiming 86 wickets including two five-wicket hauls.

The Trinidadian cricketer described how selectors persistently categorized him as a limited-overs specialist despite his repeated declarations of commitment to Test cricket. After being omitted from the Test squad for five consecutive years, Bravo formally announced his retirement from the format.

Reflecting philosophically, Bravo acknowledged that his premature Test exit paradoxically catalyzed his extraordinary success in global T20 leagues. ‘While my Test career was cut short and I lost there, I gained elsewhere,’ he conceded. ‘Had I continued playing more Test matches, I would not have built the T20 career that now defines my legacy.’

In a strategic move to bolster player development, Jamaica’s national football team is set to clash with Grenada in an international friendly match on January 18th at St. George’s. With the fixture scheduled outside FIFA’s official international window, interim head coach Rudolph Speid has assembled a 24-player training squad predominantly featuring domestic talents and North American-based professionals, as many regular starters remain committed to club obligations.

Coach Speid clarified that while this encounter aligns with the Jamaica Football Federation’s (JFF) enduring commitment to nurturing local talent, it does not directly form part of the preparatory agenda for March’s critical FIFA Intercontinental play-offs in Mexico. The Reggae Boyz are slated to confront New Caledonia in the semi-finals, with victorious progression potentially securing a showdown against DR Congo for a coveted spot in this summer’s FIFA World Cup finals.

Nevertheless, Speid emphasized the match’s significance as a proving ground for athletes aspiring to secure positions in the upcoming Mexico training camp. “We’ve consistently organized this developmental fixture over the past three to four years,” Speid stated during a Wednesday press briefing. “Our involvement in World Cup qualifiers hasn’t altered that tradition. However, the stakes are undoubtedly elevated now, as exceptional performances could earn players consideration for playoff squad selection.”

The current training initiative commenced on Wednesday and will conclude Friday, followed by another intensive session next week preceding the team’s departure. The definitive roster for the Grenada encounter will be finalized thereafter.

Speid highlighted the match’s particular importance for homegrown players seeking international experience. Simultaneously, the JFF is actively negotiating additional friendly matches in February to optimize preparations for the Intercontinental play-offs. The interim coach revealed ambitions to compose a 60-player squad for next month’s training camp, having already identified 52 candidates while continuing scouting operations to complete the remaining eight positions.

Squad Composition for Grenada Friendly:

Goalkeepers: Kemar Foster (Mount Pleasant), Tafari Chambers (Mount Pleasant), Daniel Russell (Portmore United)

Defenders: Christopher Ainsworth (Cavalier), Javain Brown (Real Salt Lake), Damion Lowe (Houston Dynamo), Ronaldo Webster (Shkendija), Stephen Young (Portmore United), Kyle Ming (Mount Pleasant), Fitzroy Cummings (Mount Pleasant), Robino Gordon (Phoenix Chapelton)

Midfielders: Adrian Reid Jr (Cavalier), Shamar Watson (Cavalier), Dwayne Atkinson (Rhode Island), Andre Lewis (Spokane Velocity), Tyreek Magee (Mount Pleasant), Jahshaun Anglin (Mount Pleasant), Jaheim Thomas (Arnett Gardens), Nickyle Ellis (Racing FC)

Forwards: Romario Williams (Indy Eleven), Trayvon Reid (Harbour View), Daniel Green (Mount Pleasant), Jourdain Fletcher (Montego Bay United), Warner Brown (Mount Pleasant)

Jamaica’s western sporting community has suffered a significant setback following the abrupt cancellation of World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe’s scheduled visit to the hurricane-damaged Montego Bay Sports Complex. Stephen Smith, President of the County of Cornwall Athletics Association (COCAA), characterized the cancelled Tuesday visit as “another blow to sports” in the region, highlighting ongoing neglect of athletic infrastructure in western Jamaica.

The cancellation appears directly linked to protracted ownership uncertainties surrounding the multi-sport facility, which sustained severe damage during Category 5 Hurricane Melissa on October 28. Lord Coe had specifically interrupted his vacation in Turks and Caicos to assess hurricane damage and meet with track and field stakeholders regarding potential support mechanisms from World Athletics.

Smith expressed profound disappointment, noting that local representatives had anticipated productive discussions about revitalizing the deteriorated facility. “We were hoping that we would have had some good news from Lord Coe,” Smith stated, suggesting even partial assistance from World Athletics could catalyze additional government or private sector investment.

The complex’s track, originally laid in 2002, has remained unusable since 2018 due to hazardous conditions that render it dangerous for athletic competition. This deterioration compounds existing challenges for western Jamaican sports programs, with both football and track and field suffering from inadequate facilities.

Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) President Garth Gayle acknowledged uncertainties regarding appropriate counterparts in Montego Bay contributed to the visit’s cancellation. The facility’s management has been in limbo since November 2024, when Montego Bay Multi Sports Development Limited submitted the sole bid to operate the complex to the St James Municipal Council—a proposal that remains unanswered after fourteen months.

The situation underscores broader concerns about infrastructure investment disparities in Jamaican sports, particularly in regions outside the capital.