A devastating second half sealed a heavy defeat for St. Kitts and Nevis, as Jamaica underlined their dominance in Group B with a ruthless eight-goal performance in Willemstad.
WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao — It was a night to forget for St. Kitts and Nevis. Jamaica produced a stunning display, dismantling the Young Sugar Boys 8–0 in their Group B encounter at Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca on Sunday evening, leaving SKN’s qualification hopes in serious jeopardy heading into their final group game.
Sean Leighton struck early in the 10th minute to open the floodgates, with Jabaire Howell doubling Jamaica’s lead just two minutes later. Jahmarie Nolan added a third from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute to give the Reggae Boyz a commanding half-time lead.
The second half brought no relief. Raequan Campbell-Dennis extended the lead in the 53rd minute, before Leighton completed his brace in the 60th. Jamor Dennis then struck twice — in the 67th and 90th+2 minutes — with Orel Miller adding a seventh in the 71st to cap a punishing night for Coach Bruno Kalonji’s side.
SKN, who had shown promise earlier in the qualifiers with a 3–0 win over the Cayman Islands and a spirited draw against Bonaire, now face Turks and Caicos on Tuesday in their final fixture — a must-win game if they are to salvage anything from the campaign.
ELSEWHERE IN GROUP B
Bonaire secured their first win of the tournament with a 2–1 comeback victory over Turks and Caicos Islands. Schuyler Selver put Turks and Caicos ahead in the 9th minute, but Ivar Bakelaar equalised for Bonaire in the 36th before Timothy Müller clinched it in the 76th.
Puerto Rico maintained their perfect record with a 2–0 win over the Cayman Islands. Antonio Delgado and Adrian Burgos scored within five minutes of each other in the first half — in the 31st and 35th minutes respectively — to keep Puerto Rico top of the pile.
SKN GROUP B RECORD
Mon. Feb 23 | Puerto Rico 2–1 SKN ✗
Wed. Feb 25 | SKN 3–0 Cayman Islands ✓
Fri. Feb 27 | SKN 1–1 Bonaire =
Sun. Mar 1 | Jamaica 8–0 SKN ✗
Tue. Mar 3 | SKN vs. Turks & Caicos, 5:00 PM ★
Source: CONCACAF | St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association