Central High came from two goals down to steal a point.
Garvey Maceo appeared poised to claim all three points against Central High after racing to a brisk two-goal lead in their Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Wata Group B quarterfinal clash in May Pen.
However, a resilient Central High team clawed their way back, forcing Garvey Maceo to settle for a 2-2 stalemate and a share of the spoils in a dramatic Clarendon derby on Saturday.
Antwone Wright (36th) and Ean Noel (60th) were responsible for Central High’s comeback after Omarion O’Brian (1st) and Everald Swaby (8th) did the early damage for Garvey Maceo.
With the result, things remain evenly poised in the group as all four teams—Garvey Maceo, Central High, Ocho Rios, and Munro College—are on a point each in their hunt for the top two spots to the semi-finals.
Garvey Maceo’s Head coach Lester Hibbert, expressed disappointment with his team’s inability to hold onto their early lead but acknowledged Central’s resilience.
“It is just a few goals that resulted in the two goals that we conceded that cost us the three points. But apart from that, the boys played brilliantly; we just have to shake this off, regroup, and come again for our next game on Tuesday,” Hibbert said.
The match started with a bang, as poor defending from Central High allowed O’Brian to break the deadlock with a firm finish from just inside the 18-yard box with a mere 15 seconds on the clock.
Just seven minutes later, Swaby doubled the lead with a well-placed left-footed strike from Christopher Mundle’s cross, sending Garvey Maceo’s supporters into a frenzy. With such an explosive start, it looked as though the game might be a lopsided affair, with Garvey Maceo controlling possession and Central struggling to keep up.
But as the first half progressed, Central High settled into their rhythm and began pushing back, eager to avoid an early defeat in this critical quarterfinal contest.
Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Wright again got in behind Garvey Maceo’s high defensive line and finished a precision shot beyond custodian Garfield Tomlinson to reignite Central’s hopes.
That goal energized Central, who ended the half with renewed confidence and a more organized defence.
Central maintained their momentum on the resumption and eventually pulled level at the hour mark when Dellan Briscoe placed a pass on a platter for Noel, who finished a firm left-footer that left the Garvey Maceo fans stunned.
Garvey Maceo regained their rhythm and both teams pressed for the winning goal but were unable to make the most of their few half chances and had to settle for a point.
For Central High’s Jermaine Douglas, the draw felt like a victory after a difficult start.
“It was the worst possible start for us; the last thing you can do is concede in the first minute, and we managed to do that, and then we again conceded after that. But I think once we settled we made better decisions in the final third and we probably should have won this game,” Douglas noted.
Sherdon Cowan is a five-time award-winning journalist with 10 years' experience covering sports.
Kicking off a new partnership: CB Foods becomes official protein sponsor of PFJL
CB Foods has entered the football arena, kicking off a new three-year league partnership and becoming the Official Protein Sponsor of Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), the managers of the Jamaica Premier League.
This partnership was sealed on Thursday, December 5th at the offices of the CB Group.
Janet Sylvester, Divisional Manager of CB Foods Ltd, expressed her company’s enthusiasm about the collaboration.
“We are thrilled to be part of nation-building. As a company with over 40 years in the industry, we have contributed to various sectors, including agriculture, entertainment, food and beverage, and we are now entering the sports arena. CB Foods aims to combine all our efforts to strengthen the Jamaica Premier League, focusing on youth development and supporting clubs and small businesses,” she disclosed.
“At CB Group, we practice a culture of sustainability. Our purpose is to make a positive impact, and when we consider the future, our focus is on empowering people who will help us build sustainable industries. This mission aligns closely with our core values at CB Group,” she explained.
Samantha Fisher, the Assistant Brand Manager of CB Foods, highlighted the significance of football in Jamaica.
"Football is more than just a sport in Jamaica; it’s a way of life, a unifying force, and a celebration of our culture. CB Foods has always been passionate about nourishing our people with care and quality, we are excited to be a part of one of Jamaica’s most beloved national pastimes. Through this collaboration, we hope to ignite excitement, inspire greatness both on and off the field, and connect with the community: the footballers, fans, and foodies."
For his part, Owen Hill, CEO of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited, said the CB Foods’ commitment to nation building and community involvement, augurs well the alignment of both entities.
“CB Foods is a community brand, and we appreciate their boldness in not only expressing their values but also actively working to make a real difference. Our goal is to positively impact the lives of footballers, the community, and the clubs. This three-year partnership reflects our commitment and passion for changing lives through football. We are excited to see what the next three years will bring,” said Hill.
Hill emphasized the benefits of the partnership for the players.
“This partnership directly impacts the clubs’ overall mindset because more collaborations like this will lead to greater visibility. Motivation is crucial, as it drives their performance on and off the field,” Hill explained.
CB Foods will engage with the community through its brands, including CB Chicken, Caribbean Passion, and Bad Dawg Sausages. We look forward to seeing how they will execute their initiatives at various Jamaica Premier League matches and in the community.
Guardiola believes De Bruyne will be difficult to replace at Man City
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola knows it will be difficult to find a replacement for midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, should the Belgian depart next year.
The playmaker joined City in 2015 and has played a key role in their trophy-laden spell since then, but he will be out of contract at the end of the season.
De Bruyne's season has been hampered by injury, but the 33-year-old started his first Premier League game since August as City returned to winning ways after seven winless games against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
And Guardiola could not stress enough the impact De Bruyne has had on the club.
"I'm not involved in it," the City boss said, when quizzed about contract negotiations with De Bruyne.
"I would like to have him 23 years old and sign a contract for 10 years, this is what I'd like, we'll see."
De Bryune signed for City a year before Guardiola's arrival and has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five EFL Cups while also helping them to their first-ever Champions League triumph during the 2022-23 season.
"There are players for whom the impact on the legacy of this club will be eternal, will be forever," said Guardiola.
"Of course, it is not easy to replace [them], but as a club, we have to find in the moment, if it's going to happen, we have to find the best way."
Before the game against Forest, Guardiola had to brush aside suggestions of a rift between himself and De Bruyne.
"People say I've got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? No, I don't want Kevin to play?" he said.
"The guy who has the most talent in the final third, I don't want it? I have a personal problem with him after nine years together?
"He's delivered to me the biggest success to this club, but he's been five months injured [last season] and two months injured [this season].
"He's 33 years old. He needs time to find his best, like last season, step by step. He'll try to do it and feel better. I'm desperate to have his best."
'Milan shown lack of respect' - Fonseca bemoans refereeing in Atalanta loss
Paulo Fonseca thinks referee Federico La Penna showed AC Milan "a lack of respect" during their 2-1 defeat by Atalanta.
Ademola Lookman's late strike settled the contest at Gewiss Stadium, where Alvaro Morata cancelled out Charles De Ketelaere's earlier effort.
While Atalanta climbed to the Serie A summit following a ninth straight win, Milan saw their seven-game unbeaten streak across all competitions come to an end.
However, Fonseca suggested his side were on the wrong end of questionable officiating, including for the hosts' first goal, where he felt De Ketelaere pushed Theo Hernandez while climbing to head home.
"I am not afraid to speak the truth," he told Sky Sport Italia. "I have always respected the work of the referees. I realise they have a difficult job, but every week, it is always the same.
"The way the referee officiated throughout this evening was a lack of respect for Milan.
"The first goal, [there] was a clear foul, there is absolutely no doubt. The way the referee officiated throughout was against Milan, there is no doubt."
Although, Fonseca acknowledged poor defending from set-pieces proved costly for his side.
"At the end of the day, we lost the game on two set-plays," he added. "The first half was very good, but in the second, we didn't have that link with the strikers.
"I think we deserved more tonight, it was tough to accept conceding two goals from dead-ball situations."
Meanwhile, Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini revelled in his side's victory, which lifted them to the top of the table and already had their supporters chanting songs about winning the Scudetto.
"Naturally, this is a great victory against a team with undoubtedly very talented players among the best in the league, and we thoroughly deserved the win," he said.
"The people of Bergamo have their feet firmly on the ground, so don't take anything for granted. If we were still up there after another 20 games, it'd be different, but as things stand, it is an expression of joy and a deserved one, too."
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