June 7, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica are through to the third round of the Concacaf World Cup qualifying after edging the British Virgin Islands 1-0 in their Zone E game at the AO Shirley Recreation Ground in Road Town on Saturday, maintaining a perfect win record.
Warner Brown’s first-half goal was the difference in the game that hardly got out of first gear as Jamaica joined zone leaders Guatemala on nine points and are certain to advance.
Jamaica dominated the game for long periods but failed to break down the opposition, who were losing all four games and had been eliminated from advancing going into the game.
Demarai Gray, who was one of five changes to the starting team made by coach Steve McClaren, set up the game’s only goal when his free kick from the edge of the 18-yard box on the left side was glanced past 19-year-old goalkeeper Frankie Beckles by Brown.
Romario Williams, who came on in the second half, had two good chances to add to the tally, hitting the far right upright in the 70th minute before firing just wide nine minutes later after a swift counterattack.
Goalkeeper Andre Blake was called upon to make one save in the 78th minute when Tyler Forbes managed to get past the Jamaican defence.
— Paul Reid