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CONCERNED: TT national football team fans with concerned looks as the Fifa 2026 World Cup qualifier against Jamaica petered out into a 1-1 draw at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, ending any hope of TT qualifying for the World Cup finals. - Photos by Angelo MarcelleTHE World Cup dream is over.
Approximately 20,000 fans left the Hasely Crawford Stadium disappointed and in some cases, distraught, as the TT men's senior footballers were left singing the blues as they now have no chance of advancing to the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
TT played to a 1-1 draw with Jamaica on November 13 in a Group B Concacaf World Cup qualifying match.
TT are now on six points and with just one match to play, on November 18 against Bermuda, cannot finish in the top two in the group.
Curacao are on top with 11 points, followed by Jamaica on ten points. The winner of the group qualifies directly to the World Cup, while the second-placed team can advance to an intercontinental play-off for another chance to go through to the World Cup.
Renaldo Cephas gave Jamaica the lead in the 53rd minute, before substitute Kevin Molino equalised with four minutes left to give the home crowd a glimmer of hope. It was not meant to be as Dwight Yorke's men fell short.
TT supporters in a buoyant mood at the Hasely Crawford Stadium before the start of the game.
Much was expected of Yorke when he took charge of the TT team one year ago, bringing new life into TT football. Expectations were high, some unrealistic, of where he could take the team – qualification for the 2026 World Cup being the ultimate goal.
The Tobago-born Yorke is arguably the most decorated footballer ever from this country having won the Champions League with Manchester United and captained TT at the 2006 World Cup Finals. The fans returned to the local venues, something not seen at home games in years.
A match against St Kitts and Nevis earlier this year was almost filled to capacity, a crowd not normally seen against opponents like that. The support did not come from just the fans as sponsors have jumped on board.
On the field, Yorke has certainly given many players an opportunity as he has chopped and changed players repeatedly in an effort to find the perfect starting XI or core 15 or 16 players.
A few players who were consistent members of the team under past coaches have found it difficult to find their way into Yorke's XI or even the squad.
Former captain Aubrey David, defender Shannon Gomez and midfielder Michel Poon Angeron have been left in the wilderness under Yorke, despite featuring regularly under past coach Angus Eve.
JOY: Fans celebrate after Kevin Molino scored late in the second half to tie the game 1-1 against Jamaica on Thursday evening at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Many were part of Yorke's squad, but are now outside looking in including striker Isaiah Leacock, midfielder Duane Muckette and the Jones brothers – Joevin and Alvin.
The overlooked players have made way for players such as English-based Rio Cardines, Jerrin Jackie, centre back Kobi Henry and striker Dante Sealy.
Sealy was involved in the first look at goal on Thursday evening when he played in Levi Garcia, but the latter over-pushed and could only put in a tame cross that was easily collected by Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake. TT started with intent in the opening ten minutes playing like they knew what was at stake.
In the 13th minute, TT got the first decent chance at goal when Tyrese Spicer's shot from outside the box went wide.
In the19th minute, TT survived some pinball action following a throw in.
Jamaica attempted multiple shots within a few seconds as TT defenders scrambled to clear their lines. The final shot on goal was comfortably saved by TT goalie Denzil Smith. TT talisman Garcia got the best chance to break the deadlock in the 26th minute.
After running up the right flank, he cut inside a Jamaica defender only to make a mess of the finish as his shot went well wide.
After a couple Jamaica players fell to the ground with injuries or cramp, the home fans expressed their frustration as loud boos were heard. The fans felt the Reggae Boyz were wasting time.
SANDWICHED: Jamaica player Demarai Gray is sandwiched by TT players Jerrin Jackie, left, and Daniel Phillips.
In the 35th minute, a cross from right back Deron Payne was volleyed by Spicer forcing a great save from Blake.
Jonathan Russell was the first player to put the ball in the net, but the Jamaican's header from Bobby Reid's cross was ruled offside to the relief of the near-capacity crowd.
In first-half stoppage time Spicer brought the crowd to their feet with brilliant skill to evade his defender, but his low cross was not converted. Just like the first half, TT came out aggressive in the second half.
However against the run play, the speedy Renaldo Cephas gave Jamaica a 1-0 lead with an excellent finish in the 53rd minute. Cephas collected the ball at the half line and with only Andre Rampersad to beat, cut inside and finished with aplomb.
The boisterous crowd was brought to silence as TT had just about 35 minutes to score twice to keep the World Cup dream alive.
Jamaican supporters proudly in their national colours as they made their way into the Hasely Crawford Stadium before the start of the game.
TT made two changes as Kevin Molino and Raold Mitchell came in for Sealy and Daniel Philips as the home side went in search of goals.
Finger nails were bitten, while others slouched in their chairs as hope faded.
After the match went past the 70th minute, TT fans made their voices heard again as the home team came close a couple times, but the finishing product was just not there.
In the 86th minute, Molino converted from eight yards out after the ball fell kindly, and hope was restored.
JOY: Fans celebrate after Kevin Molino scored late in the second half to tie the game 1-1 against Jamaica on Thursday evening at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
The stadium was buzzing again with everyone on the edge of their seats. In stoppage time, a through ball was played to Mitchell put he pulled up injured and had to seek attention ending what could have been a chance on goal.
The clock continued to tick away and also TT's hopes of playing at the most prestigious football tournament in the world. The final whistle soon followed as TT players fell to the floor, holding their heads in disappointment, while fans began streaming out of the stadium and into the cold Port of Spain night.
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