T&T Under-20 men’s football team got a goal each from three different players to secure a 3-2 win over Jamaica’s U-20s on Thursday in the first of two international friendly warm-up matches for both teams in preparations for their respective upcoming CONCACAF U-20 Men’s World Cup qualifying group qualifiers.
Playing at the University of T&T (UTT) Campus Ground, O’Meara Road, Arima, the T&T youngsters coached by former T&T international Brian Haynes took the lead as early as the 13th minute through San Juan North Secondary School’s Lindell Sween, and seven minutes later Presentation College of San Fernando’s Levi Jones doubled the advantage for the host.
However, five minutes before the half-time whistle Jahmani Bell pulled a goal back for the young “Reggae Boyz” to set up an interesting second half.
On the resumption, T&T regained its two-goal cushion via Fatima College’s Michael Chaves in the 58th minute from the penalty spot after which the locals kept the visitors at bay until nine minutes from the final whistle when Jamaica got a late second item from Dunstings Cohen.
In the end, the local boys held on for the win in their first international contest and will now look to sweep the series when both teams face off again on Thursday at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, Arima at 4 pm.
T&T will contest Group D of the Concacaf qualifiers from February 23-27 alongside Canada, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, Port-of-Spain while Jamaica will contest Group F with Bermuda, Grenada and Martinique in St Kitts & Nevis from February 24-28. (NS)
