Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago battled to a 1-1 draw in their second international friendly on Sunday night at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in Kingston. The match followed Jamaica’s 1-0 victory in Montego Bay last Thursday, bringing the two-match series to a competitive close.
Trinidad & Tobago appeared to be heading toward victory after Josiah Trimmingham gave the visitors the lead in the 29th minute. Off a well-placed corner kick from Nathaniel James, Trimmingham managed to direct a header through the legs of Jamaica’s goalkeeper, Jahmali Waite, giving the Soca Warriors a 1-0 advantage.
Despite numerous chances from both teams throughout the match, it wasn't until second-half stoppage time that Jamaica found the equalizer. In a moment of misfortune for Trimmingham, an attempted clearance in the 95th minute ended up in the back of his own net, gifting Jamaica a late equalizer.
Both teams displayed intensity and physicality, leading to multiple fouls and stoppages. Jamaica’s Tyrese Bailey and Trinidad & Tobago’s John Paul Rochford were among several players shown yellow cards in a match that saw plenty of midfield battles and tough tackles.
Jamaica pushed aggressively for an equalizer in the second half, with long-range efforts from Obrian Anglin and Sue-Lae McCalla, as well as dangerous crosses that tested the visitors’ defense. Shamar Thomas, Steffen Yeates, and Kevin Molino helped Trinidad & Tobago hold their defensive shape, but Jamaica’s persistence paid off with their last-gasp equalizer.
Jamaica will take positives from this two-match series as they continue preparations for upcoming competitions. The team showed resilience in both games, securing a 1-0 win in the first friendly before battling back for a draw in the second.
Meanwhile, Trinidad & Tobago head coach Dwight Yorke remains in search of his first victory since taking charge of the team last November. The Soca Warriors, despite their improved performance in Kingston, will need to focus on closing out matches more effectively.
Both teams will now turn their attention to their respective regional and international campaigns, as they look to build on these performances in the coming months.
Photos courtesy of JFF Instagram