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KTHS stun defending Manning Cup champions JC
November 18, 2021
A 61st minute penalty converted by captain Jaheem Bryan lifted Kingston Technical High (KTHS) to a stunning 1-0 upset win over defending ISSA Manning Cup champions Jamaica College (JC) at the Ashenheim Stadium yesterday.
JC dominated possession, created numerous chances and even had a penalty saved in the final minutes. However, the Old Hope Road-based school has now gone two games without a win after Saturday's 0-0 draw with Calabar High.
KTHS lost 2-1 to Charlie Smith after taking the lead Saturday, and coach Sean Charlton said if they had shown the same resilience in that opening match the results would have been similar.
Nevertheless, he said it was a huge win for the 1981 Walker Cup winners. "I am feeling ecstatic and I must give credit to God. We prayed and trust in God. We should have done this on Saturday but that is in the past," he stated.
JC controlled the entire game but were frustrated throughout by KTHS, as the teams went in at 0-0 at half-time.
The same pattern of play continued in the second half but just past the hour Jordon Fowler was brought down in the box and KTHS were awarded a penalty which Bryan calmly converted to give the underdogs the lead against the run of play.
JC created a host of chances but could not convert. Then two minutes from time captain Kimarley Lawrence was fouled inside the area but his feeble attempt from 12 yards was saved by Denzel Smith in goal.
"The character of my players was just awesome," Charlton commented. "Even though they are young, they have the heart of David and today they beat Goliath," he added.
JC coach, Davion Ferguson, said even though they showed marked improvement from Saturday's opener, it counted for nothing.
"It's a tough loss, you can see the reaction of the boys. But we have not lost belief and I believe that is most important.
"We created numerous chances and missed a penalty. But we have to remain strong and calm and try to look to the next game. It is the mark of champions to get a reaction from this. If we don't, we do not deserve to be in this competition but we believe we will get it right. We have time to fix it,' he insisted.
In other games, Calabar turned back Bridgeport 5-0 while ten-man Charlie Smith defeated Kingston high 2-0 to climb to the top of Group A with six points from two wins. Calabar are next on four points followed by St George's College and KTHS on three points each.
