Typography

Jamaica's Shantell Thompson (left) battling with Trinidad and Tobago's Khadisha Debesette during yesterday's final match in the Under-17 Women's Caribbean Football Union World Cup qualifiers at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in St Andrew. (Photo Credit: Jamaica Gleaner).Trinidad and Tobago secured group honours and bragging rights after Diarra Simmons' 65th-minute strike carried the 'Soca Princesses' to a 1-0 win over their hosts in a top-of-the-table CFU Under-17 final-round qualifying clash at the Anthony Spaulding Complex yesterday.

The Trindadians topped the group with maximum nine points; the Jamaicans finished second with six; the Bahamas were third with three and Guyana last with no point.

In a keenly-contested match, and one with very few chances, the Trinidadians had a slight edge and always looked dangerous on set-plays, with Jonnelle Warrick pulling the strings.

It was, therefore, little surprise when the central defender's corner from the left found the head of Simmonds, who beat goalkeeper Chis-Ann Chambers at her near post.

Nicole Broderick had the best chance to get a goal back for the hosts, but she fired her shot wide of target after Trinidad had failed to clear from a corner.

Winning coach Stephen Defour said although it was a very tight game, his girls showed character to get the victory.

"We are always happy to get a win against Jamaica... but it was a very tight game, as the score showed," he said.

Jamaica's technical director for women's football, Vin Blaine, said although it was a close match, his girls just did not get going.

Earlier, the Bahamas secured the third available spot after they beat Guyana, 1-0, on Keisha McCartney's 43rd-minute strike.

The Bahamians will join Trinidad and Jamaica in the CONCACAF final round in May.

Teams

Trinidad & Tobago: - Shantelle Christian, Khadisha Debesette, Jonelle Warrick, Abigal Jacob, Adeka Spence, Marlique Asson, Khadidra Debesette, Darian Diaz, Shanisa Camejo, Diarra Simmons, Anique Walker (capt).

Coach: - Lyndel Williams (T&T).

Jamaica: - Chris-Ann Chambers, Shaquilla Pitterson, Imanie Richards (Yellow 90), Georgia Bailey, Tiffany Robinson, Jorja Hughes (Shadie Shirley 73rd), Shantell Thompson (Jalen Simms 84th), Nasheka Doyley (Remona Hyde 75th), Khadifa Shaw, Nicole Broderick, Shantel Bailey.

Coach: - Vinmore Blaine (Jamaica).

Referee: - Gillian Martindale (Brabados).

Venue: - Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, Jamaica.

Attendance: - 2,100

Final Standings

P  W  T  L  GF  GA  GD  Pts
Trinidad & Tobago  3  3  0  0  12  0  +12  9
Jamaica  3  2  0  1  7  1  +6  6
Bahamas  3  1  0  2  0  6  -4  3
Guyana  3  0  0  3  0  14  -14  0