Jamaica Draw 1–1 with Trinidad; Must Beat Curaçao to Secure World Cup Ticket

The Reggae Boyz were held 1–1 by Trinidad but remain in the race for an automatic spot. They must win the qualifying finale against group leaders Curaçao to advance automatically

Cephas celebrates his goal with Shemar Nicholson

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz remain in the hunt for an automatic spot at next year’s FIFA World Cup but slipped to second in Concacaf Group B after a 1–1 draw away to Trinidad and Tobago.

After a slow first half that ended goalless, winger Renaldo Cephas continued his great recent form, producing a brilliant solo move to give Steve McClaren’s team the lead in the 53rd minute.

Trinidad and Tobago, needing a win to stay alive in the qualifiers, pulled level in the 85th minute when Kevin Molino converted from inside the box to rescue a point. The draw, however, eliminated the Soca Warriors from contention.

The result means the Reggae Boyz must now win their crucial qualifying match on Tuesday at the National Stadium against Curaçao to secure their second World Cup appearance. Curaçao, meanwhile, needs only a draw in Kingston to become the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup.