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Boyz face must-win game against Curaçao - After 1-1 draw against T&T in World Cup qualifier
November 14, 2025
The Reggae Boyz are faced with a must-win situation to secure automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup, following a 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago in Concacaf World Cup Qualifying football match at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad last night.
Renaldo Cephas gave the Reggae Boyz the lead in the 53rd minute, before Kevin Molino rescued a point for Trinidad and Tobago with a goal in the 85th minute.
Also in Group B action, Curacao were ruthless as they hammered Bermuda 7-0 to take the lead in Group B on 11 points, just ahead of Jamaica on 10.
Curacao's goals were netted by six different players, as second-half substitute Jordi Paulina (48th, 63rd), led the way with a double. They led 2-0 at halftime through goals from Leandro Bacuna (6th minute, penalty) and Juninho Bacuna (32nd). Sontje Hansen (59th), Ar'Jany Martha (82nd) and Roshon van Eijma (90+3) accounted for the other goals.
OUT OF CONTENTION
Trinidad and Tobago, now out of World Cup contention, sit third with six points, while Bermuda are fourth in the group, still without a point after losing all five matches.
Only the group winner will advance automatically to next year's World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
There are three groups of four teams, with each playing six matches. The two best second place countries will get a second chance to make the World Cup in FIFA's intercontinental playoffs next year.
Group B's final matches will be played on Tuesday, November 18, with Jamaica hosting Curacao and Trinidad and Tobago taking on Bermuda.
Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren said he knew the game would be a tough challenge as Trinidad and Tobago needed a win to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
He has called on the fans' support at the National Stadium when the Boyz play host to Curacao.
"We knew it would come down to the last game, and so it will be," McClaren said. "What we need on Tuesday is a great performance in front of 35,000 people. It is important for the Jamaicans to come and support us and make Tuesday a great occasion."
PURPOSEFUL START
It was the home team that started with purpose and dominated the first half.
Levi Garcia came close to scoring in the 25th minute, as he danced into the box and let loose an effort from a tight angle that went inches wide of the far post.
The Trinidadians continued to press for the opener and Dante Sealy almost found himself free in the box, but a last-ditch clearance from defender Greg Leigh rained on his parade.
Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake was also call upon to make a big save, as he dived to his left to prevent a shot from hitting the net.
Jonathan Russell thought he had secured the first goal for Jamaica when he headed home from close range, but his celebrations were cut short after the goal was ruled offside.
Jamaica started the second half with more attacking intent, and Cephas broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute in a moment of brilliance.
Picking up the ball above the half-line on a counter attack, Cephas raced at goal before cutting inside of his marker and burying a low effort into the bottom corner.
With time ticking away, Molino would pull Trinidad level and ensured they left the field with a point.
The veteran striker showed his experience in the box as he struck from close range.
"After scoring first and the way we defended, I thought we'd hold on," McClaren said.
"Trinidad took risks which they had to do, a lot of risks, a lot of balls into our box and just one slip up and it cost us the equaliser."
