Boyz edge Warriors in five-goal thriller

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May 28, 2025

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Defender Richard KIng scores the winner from the penalty spot as Jamaica earned a 3-2 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in the Unity Cup yesterday, The match was played at Brentford FC’s Gtech Stadium.

In a game littered with five goals, the Reggae Boyz got the better of Caribbean rivals Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Warriors 3-2 yesterday at the Gtech Community Stadium to advance to the final of the Unity Cup.

Goals from Kasey Palmer (25th minute), Rumarn Burrell (53rd) and Richard King (90th+2) proved just enough for Jamaica to get the better of their opponents on the day.

Strikes from Isaiah Leacock (54th) and Kevin Molino (69th) would in the end prove to be only consolation efforts for Trinidad.

It was a game of two halves as the Reggae Boyz were in firm control throughout the opening stanza as they signalled their attacking intent with several chances at goal.

Palmer would open the scoring from the penalty spot, however, as Renaldo Cephas, who proved a constant problem for the Trinidadian defence, was brought down in the box.

Palmer showed his composure under pressure as the midfielder tricked Trinidad's goalkeeper with a cheeky Panenka finish.

Jamaica would go two goals to the good when Burrell, on his international debut, produced a bicycle kick to finish from close range.

Palmer's initial shot was parried into the path of Burrell, and despite being under pressure, the striker held his composure to double the lead in the 53rd minute.

The Jamaicans' celebrations were swiftly halted, however, as Trinidad produced a debut goal of their own just seconds later, as Leacock finished off a Molino assist.

Molino would turn finisher for the second goal as he followed up on a free kick from Jelani Peters to head home into an empty net.

Both teams went for the game winner and it would be the Reggae Boyz whose efforts proved fruitful.

Cephas was once again brought down in the box and this time it was King who stepped up to the spot, striking powerfully to put the ball into the top left corner.

With the win, Jamaica will now advance to the final of the Unity Cup with Trinidad now set to play in the third-place match.

Jamaica will know their opponents today when Ghana and Nigeria face off in their opening game of the competition.

The final, and third-place match, will be played as a double header on Saturday at the Gtech Community Stadium.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com