Confident U14 Boyz battle Bermuda in CFU semi-final

The Under-14 Reggae Boyz continue their Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Challenge Series title defence today when they face Bermuda in the semi-finals at Cap Cana Sports City, Dominican Republic. Kick-off is set for 10:30 a.m. Jamaica time.

Jamaica, who advanced as the best group winners, will meet Bermuda, the best second-placed team. In the other semi-final, hosts Dominican Republic take on Group B winners Haiti.

The young Boyz enter as favourites after an unbeaten run in Group C. They opened with a 4-0 win over St Kitts and Nevis, edged Aruba 1-0, and closed with a 2-0 victory over Curacao — scoring seven goals without conceding.

Bermuda arrive with one win and two draws. They opened with a 1-1 draw against Barbados, defeated Martinique 2-0, and secured their semi-final spot after a goalless draw with the Dominican Republic, finishing second in Group A.

All Eyes on Bermuda

Head coach Vassell Reynolds says the focus is entirely on today’s opponents. “We will be focused on this game alone. We will not be focused on the final because we have to win this game to get there, but we are very confident and positive,” Reynolds said.

“The semi-finals come with their own pressure, but from within, we will not apply any pressure on the boys. We hope they keep growing, and that’s what we ask of them - keep practising, keep focusing, and take it a game at a time. And once we do that, the result will take care of itself.”

Leading the attack is prolific striker Tai-Sean Headley, scorer of three of Jamaica’s seven goals. The U14 Boyz are seeking to defend the Tier I Challenge Series title they won in 2024.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com