The ISSA Manning Cup quarterfinals lived up to the excitement and drama on Saturday, November 16, 2024, as two captivating matches unfolded at the Spanish Town Prison Oval and Stadium East Football Field.
With everything on the line in the final round of group-stage fixtures, Hydel High hosted Campion College at the Spanish Town Prison Oval. At the same time, Excelsior High welcomed St. Catherine High to Stadium East.
At Stadium East, Excelsior High had a dream start, taking the lead in the 15th minute to send their fans into a frenzy. However, St. Catherine High quickly responded as Tevin “Samba” Grey scored to level the match at 1-1. The game took another twist when St. Catherine High, having shifted momentum, grabbed a 2-1 lead. Meanwhile, at Prison Oval, the match between Hydel and Campion remained goalless at the half.
The second half brought even more drama. Excelsior, desperate for a goal, eventually found the equalizer in the 64th minute as Kimarley Scott scored his 28th goal of the season, making it 2-2. At the same time, Campion College found the breakthrough against Hydel, as Tyler Falconer gave them a 1-0 lead, pushing their hopes of advancing to the next round.
Back at Stadium East, St. Catherine’s supporters, aware of the Campion result, urged their team forward. Their voices were heard as St. Catherine retook the lead, making it 3-2. But Excelsior wasn’t done yet. They mounted another charge, and in the dying moments, Scott scored his second of the game to make it 3-3, ensuring that the match ended in a draw.
At the Spanish Town Prison Oval, Hydel broke Campion College’s hearts with a late equalizer to seal a 1-1 draw, ending Campion’s Manning Cup campaign.
When the dust settled, St. Catherine High and Hydel High emerged as the semifinalists from the group. The stage is now set for a rematch of earlier fixtures, with Hydel facing Kingston College and Jamaica College taking on St. Catherine High in the semifinals.
The drama of the Manning Cup continues as the final four teams battle for glory!
Story by: Oral McNamee of McNamee Sports Media
