Cornwall College Dominates as Top Teams Secure Round of 16 Spots in ISSA/Wata daCosta Cup
Kingston, Jamaica — As the ISSA/Wata daCosta Cup football competition intensifies, several schools demonstrated their championship potential by securing coveted spots in the Round of 16. Defending champions Clarendon College showcased resilience while former winners Cornwall College impressed with a decisive victory on Tuesday at Jarrett Park.
Cornwall College emerged as a formidable force, orchestrating a late-game surge that saw them crush Spot Valley High 4-0. Despite a delayed start by 45 minutes, the boys from Cornwall displayed composure and tactical brilliance. Nickane Brown’s pivotal 77th-minute goal ignited their charge, with Corlando Morris extending the advantage with two quick strikes in the 83rd and 84th minutes. Raphael Palmer then sealed the dominant win in the 88th minute, continuing Cornwall’s legacy of strong performances against Spot Valley.
The victory propelled Cornwall College to the second spot in Group 1, trailing only Kemps Hill High, who narrowly defeated Rusea’s High 1-0, ensuring their top spot on seven points. Cornwall’s triumph echoed their consistent prowess, marking the third successive four-goal triumph over Spot Valley High.
Elsewhere, teamwork and strategy were on full display, as influential teams like St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS), Garvey Maceo, and Manchester High capitalized on their opportunities to move forward. Clarendon College, recovering from an initial setback, claimed a 2-0 win over Titchfield High at the illustrious Wembley Centre of Excellence, courtesy of Dameon Simms and Deandre Gallimore’s clinical finishing. Glenmuir High topped Group 7 with a flawless record following a comfortable 3-0 win against Paul Bogle.
In Group 3, STETHS and Manchester High ended with equal points, but STETHS’ superior goal difference allowed them to clinch the group lead. Their 3-0 victory against Mannings School saw goals from Jordan Blake, Justin McPherson, and Henry Johnson, securing their path to the next stage.
Meanwhile, Garvey Maceo delivered a commanding performance against St Mary High, claiming a 5-0 victory that underscored their offensive depth. Paired with McGrath High’s narrow 3-2 win over Christiana High, both advanced on seven points each, separated only by goal difference.
As the competition moves forward, attention now shifts to Wednesday’s fixtures. Ocho Rios High seeks a pivotal draw against Frome Technical to secure a ticket to the Round of 16. However, Black River High, facing Cedric Titus High, could alter the standings with a victory and if Frome triumphs.
With Group 4 and Group 6 poised on a knife’s edge, the upcoming matches promise high-stakes drama. Browns Town High leads Group 4 by a narrow margin, setting up crucial clashes between Alphansus Davis High and Munro College against Maldon High. In Group 6, Port Antonio High and Central High are locked in a dead heat, both meeting at Glenmuir High for a defining encounter.
The stage is set for another enthralling chapter in the ISSA/Wata daCosta Cup, as teams vie for glory while fans across Jamaica eagerly await the unfolding of high school football’s next elite competitors.
Upcoming Wednesday Matches:
- Cedric Titus vs Black River at Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium
- Frome Tech vs Ocho Rios at Llandilo Community Centre
- Yallahs High vs Dinthill Technical at York Oval
- Central High vs Port Antonio High at Glenmuir High
- Alphansus Davis High vs Browns Town High at Manchester High
- Munro College vs Maldon High at Munro College
Tuesday’s Key Results:
- Holmwood Technical 0, Belair High 2
- Kemps Hill 1, Rusea’s High 0
- Cornwall College 4, Spot Valley High 0
- Manchester High 1, William Knibb Memorial 0
- Mannings School 0, STETHS 3
- Clarendon College 2, Titchfield High 0
- Glenmuir High 3, Paul Bogle 0
- St Mary High 0, Garvey Maceo High 5
- McGrath High 3, Christiana High 2
— Compiled by Paul Reid
