Thread for T&T vs Jamaica Games (1 & 3 of March-2024)

[Tallman]

First Blood: Reggae Boyz edge Soca Warriors 1-0 in friendly at Hasely Crawford Stadium
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)

JAMAICA’S Reggae Boyz took first run from their two-match friendly international series against Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s team, with a 1-0 win yesterday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium (HCS), Mucurapo.

Nineteen-year-old Kahiem Dixon, on debut, scored in the 55th minute, following an evenly-contested first half and a second half dominated by Reggae Boyz.

Both coaches used mainly locally-based players. T&T head-coach Angus Eve did not use the strongest combination available to him, and instead gave debuts to Liam Burns, Coventry City striker Justin Obikwu, USA-born Kai Moos, Shervohnez Hamilton, Michael Chaves and Rhondel Gibson.

“I wasn’t disappointed at all,” stated Eve. “Actually, we had a lot of players out there playing at this level for the very first time and I thought they acquitted themselves well. We were in the game for the most part and we gave away a sloppy goal and that was the difference in the game.”

The expectation is that Eve will use a stronger local side for the second match tomorrow at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, kick off from 4 p.m. Eve has Michel Poon-Angeron, Nathaniel James, Duane Muckette, John-Paul Rochford, Kevin Goddard, Ross Russell Jr, and goalkeeper Denzil Smith still looking for some action, while Alvin Jones and Kaile Auvray only saw limited playing time yesterday.

“We have to give people exposure,” explained Eve. “We made minimal amount of changes because we wanted to expose the guys as much as possible. Young Burns and those guys would have never played at this level before. So, this is a good exercise for them to understand the pace of the game, and then to give the guys who are more established a run out (tomorrow), going into the playoff tournament.”

The closed-door game gave both Jamaica’s Icelandic head coach Heirmar Hallgrimsson and Eve the chance to make unlimited changes, as Eve handed 17-year-old Fatima College striker Chaves his senior debut, in the second half.

Jamaica will face USA in a CONCACAF Nations League semi-final on March 22 and Hallgrimsson is using the five-day T&T camps to have a final look at local and fringe players. Likewise, Eve used yesterday’s match ahead of selecting his final squad for a March 23 Copa America qualifier.

Played without fans due to preparation work for the Carifta Games, the first half saw both teams having periods in control. Defence Force winger Kahim Thomas had the first real chance, forcing Jamaican goalkeeper Kemar Foster to touch the ball away.

Jamaica had better of the opening 20 minutes, with wide players Kahiem Dixon and Alex Marshall both penetrating dangerously, with Marshall getting past Shervohnez Hamilton a couple of times down the right.

Eve was forced into the early change, bringing in Rondell Gibson to replace veteran Nathaniel Garcia midway through the first half, and Gibson made an immediate impact.

T&T began to grow into the half and for the first time Foster was called upon to work. Gibson and Thomas both threatened from free kicks, Thomas especially coming close, his set piece deflected dangerously wide with the Jamaican keeper wrong footed. Obikwu came close to scoring on his T&T debut, meeting a corner kick and just guiding a header over the crossbar. Jamaica also began the second half well. After gliding past Hamilton again, Arnett Gardens winger Dickson forced in a low shot at the far post for the game winner, exposing goalkeeper Adrian Foncette and beating several defenders on the T&T goalline. And substitute Devonte Campbell did enough to create a second goal, but no-one got a touch as his low cross whizzed across the goalmouth.

Dickson had a chance of getting a second goal, when meeting a cutback inside T&T’s penalty area but having his shot deflected for a corner in the 75th minute. Coming on as a second half substitute, Defence Force custodian Christopher Biggette produced a spectacular dive to his left, denying Campbell, who had broken clear of defenders and was bearing down on the T&T goal in added-on time.

TEAMS

Trinidad and Tobago (4-2-3-1): 21.Adrian Foncette (GK, captain) (1.Christopher Biggette GK  62); 2.Liam Burns (16.Alvin Jones 90+3), 4.Josiah Trimmingham, 12.Robert Primus (5.Jamaal Jack 80), 18.Shervohnez Hamilton; 19.Kai Moos, 7.Nathaniel Garcia (15.Rhondel Gibson 22); 17.Kaihim Thomas, 23.Justin Sadoo, 13.Kai Garvey (20.Kaile Auvray 80); 11.Justin Obikwu (24.Michael Chaves 80)

Unused substitutes: 22.Denzil Smith (GK), 2.Ross Russell Jr, 6.Kevon Goddard, 8.Michel Poon-Angeron, 9.Nathaniel James, 10.Duane Muckette, 14.John-Paul Rochford.

Coach: Angus Eve

Jamaica (4-4-2): 13.Kemar Foster (GK, captain) (1.Jaiden Hibbert GK 61); 14.Sue-Lae Mc Calla (22.Emelio Rousseau 80), 17.Garth Stewart (5.Richard King 73), 19.Stephen Young (2.Joel Cunningham), 15.Ricardo Thomas (3.Kyle Ming 85); 8.Alex Marshall (7.Andre Fletcher 68), 16.Jamone Shepherd, 6.Jashaun Anglin (18.Shamour Smith 80), 21.Kaheim Dixon (11.Shaniel Thomas 85); 9.Fabian Reid; 12.Devonte Campbell 68), 10.Justin Dunn.

Unused substitutes: 4.Romario Guthrie, 20.Jason Wright, 23.Shaquan Davis.

Coach: Heimir Hallgrimsson

Referee: Nikolai Nyron

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/JZEFZlQ-F1o" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/JZEFZlQ-F1o</a>

[Tallman]

Dixon's strike the difference between Reggae Boyz and Soca Warriors in opening friendly
By Sherdon Cowan (sportsmax.tv)

Jamaica's senior Reggae Boyz drew first blood against their Trinidad and Tobago counterparts, as they registered a 1-0 win in the first of their two-match friendly series at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Friday.

Kaheim Dixon's 58th-minute strike proved the solitary goal of the contest which was played behind closed doors to facilitate preparation for the twin island republic's Carifta Games trials.

Dixon, the former Clarendon College stalwart, was the first Reggae Boy to score on debut since Justin McMaster's feat against Cameroon in 2022.

Reggae Boyz assistant coach Merron Gordon said their main objective to expose new talents were met as they fielded 13 debutants on the day.

"Games like these are always tough playing against Trinidad and Tobago, but I think it was a good game. Both teams, I think had the same objective which was to expose these players as much as possible and I think we got that," Gordon said in a post-match interview.

"When you see a player like Kahiem score a goal on his debut is amazing and these are the kind of things that we want for them to transition from schoolboy football into international football and I think he acquitted himself well, and young Jayden Hibbert in goal is a teenager as well so that augurs well for us," he added.

The Jamaicans started well, and were more threatening in open play in the early exchanges, before Trinidad and Tobago's Soca Warriors found their rhythm. Though the first half ended goalless, it wasn't for a lack of trying, as both teams had looks at goal.

In the 12th minute, Kaihim Thomas got the first effort off for the Soca Warriors from a distance, but Reggae Boyz goalkeeper Kemar Foster took flight to tip over.

Alex Marshall, who proved a menace to the Soca Warriors's backline, responded for the Reggae Boyz, but his effort was parried by Adrian Foncette, in goal for Trinidad and Tobago.

Jamaica's Reggae Boyz maintained the momentum on the resumption and again went close through Romeo Guthrie, whose shot was blocked by Foncette at his near post two minutes in.

The deadlock was eventually broken when Dixon produced an intelligent run down the right channel, dismissed a defender and tucked home.

They should have doubled the lead in the 65th when Sue-Lae McCalla found himself with space and time to fire home from Guthrie's corner, but somehow steered the effort wide.

Seconds later, Marshall and Dixon connected well with the latter driving his right-footer into the sidenetting.

The Reggae Boyz continued to apply consistent pressure but found the Soca Warriors defence in defiant mode, as a 69th-minute effort by Jason Wright from Andre Fletcher's pass, was charged down.

A minute later, Devante Campbell played a perfect pass across the face of goal, but Wright couldn't apply finishing touch.

Campbell also had a grand opportunity to get on the scoresheet in time added, when he found himself in a one-on-one situation with substitute goalkeeper Christopher Biggette, but his tame effort was swallowed up by the custodian, who left his line well.

Despite the scoreline, Soca Warriors Head coach Angus Eve, took heart from the performance.

"Not disappointed at all. Many of these players are playing at this level for the very first time and I think they acquitted themselves well and we were in the game for the most part, but we gave away a sloppy goal that proved the difference in the game. We want to give people exposure as you can see, we made minimum number of changes because we wanted to expose the young guys as much as possible. So, this is a good exercise for them to understand the pace of the game at this level going forward," Eve said.

The teams will meet again on Sunday at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima at 3:00pm Jamaica time.

[Tallman]

Eve gives 'A' for effort in Soca Warriors' loss to Jamaica
By Roneil Walcott (T&T Newsday)

Despite a 1-0 loss to Caribbean rivals Jamaica in a friendly encounter at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on March 1, Trinidad and Tobago men's football team coach Angus Eve saw the positives in the exercise which created debuts for several local-based players.

In the first of two friendlies between the two Caribbean nations in the space of three days, the "Reggae Boyz" came out on top in the closed-doors friendly courtesy a second-half goal by teenager Kahiem Dixon.

Jamaica assistant coach Merron Gordon said the Arnett Gardens FC winger was one of 13 debutants in the visitors' lineup for the match, and the tricky Dixon looked to be the happiest man in the two-island republic when he controversially claimed the 58th-minute goal. His low cross into the six-yard box appeared to have been bundled over the line by veteran attacker Fabian Reid.

Starting with a 3 pm kickoff owing to the preparations for this weekend's hosting of T&T's Carifta trials, both teams appeared to struggle for fluidity and consistency in their play in the unforgiving Mucurapo heat – particularly as the second half wore to a close.

Eve gave debuts to the Tiger Tanks Club Sando pair of left back Shervohnez Hamilton and midfielder Kai Moos, while AC Port of Spain's versatile wing back Liam Burns also got his first start for T&T. Eve also started the overseas-based pair of Kai Garvey and Justin Obikwu, who started at the left wing and centre forward positions respectively, and he gave an assessment of their first outing in the red, white and black.

"It is going to be difficult for these guys (Garvey and Obikwu) coming from where they are coming from and trying to adjust in just a couple days of work," Eve said at the post-match briefing. "I thought they adjusted well. They tried to bring the strengths they had to the group.

"For the most part, I thought the group did really well. We gave up a really soft goal and we could not get ourselves back in the game. I think it was a lack of belief and that happens when players are not accustomed to playing at this level consistently. For effort, you must give all of the guys an A."

Jamaica started brighter and they got the ball out to the flanks and they tried to isolate their wingers against the T&T defenders in their 4-4-2 formation. In the 13th minute, the tricky Alex Marshall danced his way past Hamilton on the right flank and forced a low save from veteran Soca Warriors goalkeeper Adrian Foncette.

The 19-year-old Dixon was also a bag of tricks down Jamaica's left, but Burns handled his one-on-one battles efficiently for the most part.

At the other end, both Garvey and Obikwu struggled to get sufficient touches to influence the game, with T&T's brightest sparks arguably coming from flanker Kaihim Thomas and central midfielder Rhondel Gibson, who came on as a first-half substitute for Nathaniel Garcia.

Early in the first half, the lively Thomas forced a fingertip save from the Jamaican keeper with a long-range shot, while Gibson failed to get enough power behind a tame 39th-minute free kick.

The Reggae Boyz showed their intent early in the second half when midfielder Jashuan Anglin tested Foncette with a low, long-range drive in the 54th minute.

Four minutes later, the Police FC captain was picking the ball out of his net after Dixon's goal, which stemmed from a defence-splitting pass by substitute Romario Guthrie.

Jamaica created a few more presentable chances in the latter stages of the game as they seemed to be targeting T&T's left side. A couple of timely blocks by towering Jamaican-based Josiah Trimmingham and a wild 66th-minute effort from Dixon, ensured the visitors did not extend their lead.

Eve tried to impact the game by inserting the attacking pair of Kaile Auvray and national under-20 standout Michael Chaves in the 80th minute. However, T&T rarely troubled their guests in the dying stages of the game as the visitors held on for the win.

Eve was satisfied with the outing and he vowed to use a different lineup in the next game.

"I thought it was a great exercise for the guys. When you look at the starting team, we had about six or seven players who were uncapped.

"We need more exercises like this to expose these guys and give them the opportunity because they have been doing well in the league."

From 4 pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on Sunday, T&T will try to exact revenge against Jamaica in their second friendly showing.

[Flex]

Eve selects new Soca Warrior recruits for Jamaica friendlies.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).

SOCA Warriors head coach Angus Eve has announced a 26-man roster for this weekend’s two practice matches against Jamaica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on March 1 (3pm) and Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on March 3 (4pm).

Among them are two new foreign-based recruits – Canadian League One midfielder Kai Garvey (Simcoe County Rovers FC) and English League Two forward Justin Obikwu (Coventry City).

Joining them are Jamaica-based forward Nathaniel James and midfielder Kaile Auvray (both of Mount Pleasant) and defender Josiah Trimmingham (Montego Bay Utd).

Also breaking into the senior team was in-form Under-20 forward Michael Chaves (QPCC), who concluded his U20 Concacaf Championship campaign on Tuesday.

Uncapped players such as Shervohnez Hamilton (Club Sando), Rhondel Gibson (Eagles FC), Liam Burns (AC Port of Spain) and Kai Moos (Club Sando) were also selected.

The remaining players all hail from the Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) tier one and includes regulars such as Duane Muckette, John-Paul Rochford, Nathaniel Garcia, Michel Poon Angeron, Denzil Smith and Christopher Bigette among others.

On the composition of his squad, Eve was pleased to welcome some new faces to the setup, having recently lost out on winger Reon Moore (Pacific FC/Canada) and forward Real Gill (Northern Colorado Hailstorm/USA), who both attained contracts abroad.

He also rued recent injuries to several TTPFL players such as AC Port of Spain’s Isaiah Leacock and Terminix La Horquetta Rangers’ Isaiah Lee and Daniel David.

Eve also confirmed he planned to include U20 stars Lindel Sween and Rio Cardines in the roster but the former picked up an injury during the Concacaf Championships while Cardines had returned to English club Crystal Palace, on Wednesday.

On the composition of the squad, Eve said, “We had a mini camp over the Carnival period where we saw some new players and we wanted to see them in a real match environment, and now this is an opportunity for them to get proper match practice so we could see them play.

“We have some new players. Unfortunately, some of them got injured in the last couple games in the TTPFL matches so they’re not here right now”.

The new recruits, he said, will use this weekend’s matches as a good opportunity to stake a claim going into the Copa America playoff.

T&T play Canada in a one-match playoff on March 23 at the Toyota Stadium in Texas, USA, where the winner advances to the Copa America Group A, alongside FIFA World Cup champions Argentina, two-time champions Peru and Chile.

Eve was pleased that his talent pool continues to grow as they gear up for the crucial Canada clash. He also thanked former national coaches Dennis Lawrence and Stephen Hart for being the catalyst in him bringing on Obikwu and Garvey respectively.

“When these types of coaches recommend people you must take a look at them. We’ve seen tapes of them and this is our opportunity to see them live,” he added.

Additionally, the availability of the Jamaican-based trio came after their league postponed matches for a period.

For Friday’s match, no fans will be allowed to view the match due to a setup being done at the venue for Carifta trials this weekend. However, spectators can view Sunday’s match at Larry Gomes Stadium at a cost of $50.

T&T Squad

Goalkeepers – Denzil Smith (Club Sando), Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Christopher Biggette (Defence Force)

Defenders – Alvin Jones (Police FC), Jamal Jack (Club Sando), Justin Garcia (Defence Force), Robert Primus (Police FC), Josiah Trimmingham (Montego Bay FC), Shervohnez Hamilton (Club Sando), Ross Russell Jr (La Horquetta Rangers)

Midfielders – Duane Muckette (AC PoS), John-Paul Rochford (ACPoS), Justin Sadoo (Defence Force), Kaile Auvrau (Mount Pleasant), Kai Moos (Club Sando), Kevon Goddard (Defence Force), Liam Burns (AC PoS), Nathaniel Garcia (Defence Force), Michel Poon Angeron (AC PoS), Kai Garvey (Simcoe County Rovers), Rhondel Gibson (Club Sando), Kaihim Thomas (Defence Force)

Forwards – Nathaniel James (Mount Pleasant), Jem Gordon (1976 Phoenix FC), Justin Obikwu (Coventry City), Michael Chaves (QPCC)

RELATED NEWS

Eve to try different Warriors line-up for 2nd Reggae Boyz friendly.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).

Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team have another go at the Reggae Boyz, for the second time in three days, in a friendly contest at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on Sunday, from 4pm.

The Angus Eve-coached T&T squad hope to fare better this time around having lost the opening match 1-0 at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on Friday.

Both matches are being used as preparation for T&T’s single-game playoff against Canada, on March 23 at the Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. The winner advances to this year’s Copa America tournament and will be grouped alongside FIFA World Cup winner Argentina and two-time Copa champions Chile and Peru.

So far, no other official practice match is scheduled for T&T ahead of the playoff.

In Friday’s friendly, which comprised mostly locally-based players from T&T, five foreign-based youngsters and five senior team debutants, a 58th minute goal from Jamaican teenager Kahiem Dixon separated the two at the final whistle.

Despite expressing satisfaction with the team’s first performance, in the post-match press conference on Friday, Eve said a different line-up will be used for the second match.

Eve’s men comprised mainly of TT Premier Football league tier one players, three Jamaica-based players – Nathaniel James, Kaile Auvray and Josiah Trimmingham – and two new foreign-based recruits, Canadian League One midfielder Kai Garvey (Simcoe County Rovers FC) and English League Two forward Justin Obikwu (Coventry City).

Also getting a run for the first time was Under-20 forward Michael Chaves (QPCC), Shervohnez Hamilton (Club Sando), Rhondel Gibson (Eagles FC), Liam Burns (AC Port of Spain) and Kai Moos (Club Sando).

Garvey, on debut for T&T, said, “It felt like a dream come through, walking out the stadium into the grass, I couldn’t stop smiling thinking about my family watching me. It’s a lot of hours to get an opportunity like this so I just thank God.”

“I feel as though we really did well in the first half. It’s a fight in this climate and weather. We had plenty of chances, unfortunately we didn’t put them away and in the second half we paid the price. But we move on to the next game. I love the fight of the players. It’s a very big community here.”

Unlike the first match, which was a closed-door affair, Sunday's outing is open to the public with a $50 admission fee.

T&T’s 26-man squad

Goalkeepers – Denzil Smith (Club Sando), Adrian Foncette (Police FC), Christopher Biggette (Defence Force)

Defenders – Alvin Jones (Police FC), Jamal Jack (Club Sando), Justin Garcia (Defence Force), Robert Primus (Police FC), Josiah Trimmingham (Montego Bay FC), Shervohnez Hamilton (Club Sando), Ross Russell Jr (La Horquetta Rangers)

Midfielders – Duane Muckette (AC PoS), John-Paul Rochford (ACPoS), Justin Sadoo (Defence Force), Kaile Auvrau (Mount Pleasant), Kai Moos (Club Sando), Kevon Goddard (Defence Force), Liam Burns (AC PoS), Nathaniel Garcia (Defence Force), Michel Poon Angeron (AC PoS), Kai Garvey (Simcoe County Rovers), Rhondel Gibson (Club Sando), Kaihim Thomas (Defence Force)

Forwards – Nathaniel James (Mount Pleasant), Jem Gordon (1976 Phoenix FC), Justin Obikwu (Coventry City), Michael Chaves (QPCC)

[Flex]

Soca Warrior ‘Natty’: Jamaica friendly a good test for Trinidad and Tobago.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday).

Attacking midfielder Nathaniel James hailed Trinidad and Tobago’s two practice matches against Jamaica as good preparation ahead of their March 23 single-game playoff against Canada, in which the winner qualifies for the 2024 Copa America.

The Soca Warriors host a locally based Reggae Boyz outfit at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on Friday, from 3pm, and at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on Sunday, from 4pm.

Both matches serve as preparation ahead of the anticipated Canada clash.

James, 19, plies his trade in the Jamaican top-flight with Mount Pleasant FC, and said the visitors have a worthy crop of players, who will prove a good test for T&T.

“They (Jamaica) are a good opponent. They are a quality team even though it’s local players. I play in their league and I think a lot of them have good quality so it’s good preparation for us to play against them. I feel good about it,” he said, after a training session at Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella on Thursday.

T&T’s Jamaica-based trio of James, midfielder Kaile Auvray and defender Josiah Trimmingham returned home for the two practice matches.

Soca Warriors head coach Angus Eve announced the 26-man squad on Wednesday, which also included some new faces to the setup.

Among them are two new foreign-based recruits – Canadian League One midfielder Kai Garvey (Simcoe County Rovers FC) and English League Two forward Justin Obikwu (Coventry City).

Uncapped players such as Under-20 forward Michael Chaves (QPCC), Shervohnez Hamilton (Club Sando), Rhondel Gibson (Eagles FC), Liam Burns (AC Port of Spain) and Kai Moos (Club Sando) were also selected.

The remaining players all hail from the TTPFL tier one and includes regulars such as Duane Muckette, John-Paul Rochford, Nathaniel Garcia, Michel Poon Angeron, Denzil Smith and Christopher Biggette among others.

[kounty]

no comments on the game?
of the 2 games i only catch the last 30mins of this (2nd) one.
my lil takeaway is that sadly we didn't unearth anything that will change the trajectory of the senior team this year. I wonder how many minutes Auvray and Natty getting in Jamaica, cuz to me they look like they regress bad. [cyah put in a decent cross fuh spit...don't make early incisive passes (hold the ball too long]. I'd keep calling Obikwu back, but don't think he should be playing any significant minutes unless is smaller caribbean opposition to gel better with the team.

[SUPA]

Greetings to one and all. It's a very, very long time since Supa & The Enterprise fall in and drop a post. To be honest we are extremely busy trying to get that paper and apart from that, we just don't be in the mood to post anymore. However, out of love and respect for the forum, we often will read and follow as a guest.

[Flex]

Line-up

22.Denzil Smith, 2.Alvin Jones, 3.Ross Russell Jr, 5.Jamal Jack, 6.Kevon Goodard, 8.Michel Poon-Angeron, 10.Duane Muckette, 12.Robert Primus, 14.John Paul-Rochford, 20.Kalie Auvray, 9.Nathaniel James.

Subs

1.Christopher Biggette, 21.Adrian Foncette, 23.Justin Sadoo, 18.Shervohnez Hamilton, 19.Kai Moos, 15.Rhondel Gibson, 17.Kaihim Thomas, 24.Michael Chaves, 13.Kai Garvey, 11.Justin Obikwu.

[Peong]

The bit I saw was some atrocious ball, holding on to the ball too long and having to reset, misplaced passes galore. Not a good outing. The pitch was in bad shape too, look like half the field had proper grass coverage

[frico]

So TT is playing Jamaica it's a friendly but an important match (we lost the the first) but the matches are of great importance to TT and Jamaica but more important for us,why can't we get a score after the final whistle.Anyway it's not a problem because the Reggaeboyz Forum has the score,TT0 Jam 0 a draw.Their football Forum is much more professional,sorry to say that but it is true.

[Flex]

Soca Warriors draw blank again in Jamaica friendly.
By Andrew Gioannetti (T&T Newsday).

THE Soca Warriors failed to score yet again in the second friendly against the Reggae Boyz on Sunday at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, Arima.

After losing the first friendly 1-0 on Friday, T&T and Jamaica played to a goalless draw, as national men’s coach Angus Eve prepares for the March 23 Copa America qualifying match against Canada.

Eve made wholesale changes to the starting line-up, following the defeat to Jamaica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, introducing goalkeeper Denzil Smith, Ross Russell Jr, Kevon Goddard, Michel Poon-Angeron, Nathaniel James, Duane Muckette and John-Paul Rochford to the starting line up, after they played no role in Friday’s fixture.

Alvin Jones, Jamal Jack and Kaile Auvray, all of whom made cameo appearances in the previous match, also started on Sunday.

Liam Burns, Michael Chaves, Kai Moos, Kai Garvey, all of whom made their debut on Friday, were left out, along with Adrian Foncette, Nathaniel Garcia, Josiah Trimmingham and Justin Sadoo.

Robert Primus, 33, perhaps signalled a long-term return to the T&T set-up, having been the only player to start in both matches.

Though generally sturdy in defence, T&T struggled to find a breakthrough throughout the entire first period, and enjoyed the better of the limited chances on either side of the park in the second period.

James put the ball in the back of the net with a low left-footed strike moments before half time, after being played through on goal, only for the assistant referee to raise his flag for an offside.

Jamaica then had a chance to take a lead shortly after the half-time break, when Shaniel Thomas nearly capitalised on a poor headed clearance from Ross Russell Jr, but his strike was saved confidently by Smith.

T&T’s nifty winger Auvray created a chance in the 58th minute, successfully taking on Jamaica’s fullback before passing the ball across the face of the goal, eluding everyone, including James.

Coventry City’s Justin Obikwu, who started on Friday, came off the bench and caused Jamaica some problems. Obikwu shrugged off two Jamaican defenders in the 79th minute and nearly beat the Jamaica stopper, who was forced off his line to punch the ball clear.

Both matches, though far from exciting, allowed Eve a glimpse of about 60 players shortlisted for selection for the one-off fixture versus Canada. The winner of the fixture in Fresco, Texas, will take one of two remaining spots available for the Copa America championships, being hosted in the US from June 20-July 14.

(Teams)

Trinidad and Tobago (4-3-3): 22.Denzil Smith (GK) (1.Christopher Biggette [GK] 62); 16.Alvin Jones (captain), 5.Jamal Jack, 12.Robert Primus, 3.Ross Russell Jr; 10.Duane Muckette, 6.Kevon Goddard (15.Rhondel Gibson 46), 8.Michel Poon-Angeron (23.Justin Sadoo 85); 14.John-Paul Rochford (11.Justin Obikwu 72), 9.Nathaniel James (17.Kaihim Thomas 77), 20.Kaïlé Auvray (18.Shervohnez Hamilton 88).

Unused substitutes: 21.Adrian Foncette (GK), 2.Liam Burns, 7.Mickaeel Jem Gordon, 13.Kai Garvey, 19.Kai Moos, 24.Michael Chaves.

Coach: Angus Eve

Jamaica (4-2-3-1): 23.Shaquan Davis (GK) (captain); 3.Kyle Ming, 5.Richard King, 2.Joel Cunningham, 22.Emelio Rousseau; 4.Romario Guthrie, 6.Jashaun Anglin; 7.Andre Fletcher, 11.Shaniel Thomas, 8.Alex Marshall; 20.Jason Wright.

Substitutes: 1.Jayden Hibbert (GK), 9.Fabian Reid, 10.Justin Dunn, 12.Devonte Campbell, 13.Kemar Foster, 14.Sue-Lae McCalla, 15.Ricardo Thomas, 16.Jamone Shepherd, 17.Garth Stewart, 18.Shamour Smith, 19.Stephen Young, 21.Kaheim Dixon.

Coach: Heimir Hallgrimsson.

WATCH Match Highlights

[Marcus868]

no comments on the game?
of the 2 games i only catch the last 30mins of this (2nd) one.
my lil takeaway is that sadly we didn't unearth anything that will change the trajectory of the senior team this year. I wonder how many minutes Auvray and Natty getting in Jamaica, cuz to me they look like they regress bad. [cyah put in a decent cross fuh spit...don't make early incisive passes (hold the ball too long]. I'd keep calling Obikwu back, but don't think he should be playing any significant minutes unless is smaller caribbean opposition to gel better with the team.

The Quality of that football was so poor, that its becoming disheartening to even talk about it, what's worst is to sit and hear a coach give us a set of excuses for his lack of impetus in the team. The whole system just seems to be designed for us to fail, maybe it is all about the money for the administration, but we heading down further and all we get is a smile and a "better luck next time". Nobody would say it but Alvin Jones should not have a permanent place on the team, he real inconsistent, struggling to put in a proper cross and he is the leader on this inexperienced team? Obikwu played well as a hold up striker but was given nothing to work with, Jamaica played us with a bunch of uncapped men, and we couldn't even string passes together. we played with Auvrey, Natty, Alvin Jones, Ross Russel Jr, Foncette, Kevon Goddard and Denzil Smith (at least 5 -6 men with international experience before) and can't play football. then the coach would say this is exactly the exercise we needed? 

If Canada don't hit us 5 is only because they don't want to embarrass us.... we did nothing that could be considered prep work for that upcoming game. We going to get the foriegn players with limited time and then that's another excuse for us.

[lucky4life]

I was wondering why Trinidad having a important match coming up against Canada and playing Jamaica all local team as a practice match for??? Trinidad should be playing at least 2 practice match against team like Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, team like those!!! I expect Jamaica to do what Trinidad just did but didn't expect Trinidad to do that, and I'm a Jamaican saying this

[Trini _2026]

those guys who play against trinidad eh making that jamaican  squad .

[lucky4life]

It wasn't really to make the Jamaican squads it was for giving the local international experience of playing at a high level and look at players for the future, but anyway you are worried about the wrong thing what you need to worry about is why Trinidad having a important international match coming up against Canada and playing international friendlies against Jamaican all local team, like I've said Trinidad should be playing at least 2 teams like Columbia, Ecuador, Peru to prepare for the match against Canada to make it to the Copa America

[Controversial]

Eve isn't even selecting the best players...

[Controversial]

@lucky

FIFA is controlling Eve and his selection, they have been sabotaging our football since the sacking of Hart...

Of course Eve will play an all local team with not even our best players from T&T...

Obviously you don't know what has been going on with our football

Almost everyone does not support Eve as the coach, he is there as a puppet 

[lucky4life]

You are right I don't know what is going on with Trinidad football but I'm going to go out on a lim and say that FIFA doesn't control Trinidad coach it would be more of you all football administration doing that, like money coming in from FIFA and private owner and sponsor but they're still crying about they don't have any money to pay for friendlies and better field and turn around butting the money pockets, and that's a sad thing because you all are not prepared to face Canada in a one win game to go to Copa America, playing Jamaican local team isn't the answer

[kounty]

before the talk get too far, remember that there were no FIFA international dates between our last round and this round of the play-in. So clubs were not bound to release players. So neither we, nor our opposition (nor Jamaica) could field their full strength teams. So Jamaica give our trialists and our local players a run so they could hopefully realize their deficiencies (for instance I would hope Alvin sending in crosses whole day, right as I type this).

[lucky4life]

I don't remember who was the team that Trinidad play last that they didn't make it to go to Copa America and have to settle in a one game against Canada to make it, so from that time until now there haven't been a FIFA international date window until now to play quality teams with their full strength teams to play Trinidad with their to get the guys prepared for Canada to make it to Copa America

[trini_stallion]

The first & last time we had an opportunity to go to Copa, we were in a playoff against Haiti which we lost. Stephen Hart was our head coach then.

It’s unfortunate we did not have a fifa window to prep our first team. This exercise was to give our b team a run out/bligh and maybe identify some talent to incorporate into 1st team.

Let’s see what happens in Texas…I’m optimistic

[Deeks]

I don't remember who was the team that Trinidad play last that they didn't make it to go to Copa America and have to settle in a one game against Canada to make it, so from that time until now there haven't been a FIFA international date window until now to play quality teams with their full strength teams to play Trinidad with their to get the guys prepared for Canada to make it to Copa America

We played Haiti in Panama, and lost 1-0. Hart was the coach. I think there was a 6 weeks gap before that game. They got one practice game for Hart. Can't remember the team. I honestly will be shocked and surprised if we were to win this upcoming game.

[Controversial]

@lucky

Actually FIFA with the NC has controlled our football for the last while, they have chosen the coach, which was Eve and rejected changes to the constitution.

Currently, FIFA is also funding the TTPFL and their Head (Wharfe) is now in the running to continue their rule. They have rigged the elections in their favour of the TTPFL votes, amount to over 60%. Independents have now been squeezed out, the other candidate in the election doesn't stand a chance.

So yes, FIFA controls our football, it is not under the control of the people or independent private financiers.

So don't expect great friendlies or matches to benefit our football.

[lucky4life]

Well that is sad I hope that Trinidad can get their stuff together and get back playing football that we know how they could because it's just Jamaica and Trinidad and Haiti who are in the Caribbean who can really beat teams like USA Mexico and Canada, but tell me this isn't what FIFA is doing to Trinidad football program is not that illegal and corrupt