Latest News
Howell blasts U20 Boyz past Puerto Rico, into next round
March 04, 2026
Jabarie Howell was the difference maker for the U20 Reggae Boyz as they booked their spot in the Concacaf Men's U20 Championship following a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico yesterday at the Stadion Rignaal 'Jean' Francisca in Curacao.
Howell scored the decisive goal in the 32nd minute as Jamaica finished atop Group B in the Concacaf Men's U20 Qualifiers.
With the win, the young Boyz have won all five of their group stage games, scoring 28 goals along the way without conceding once.
Jamaica topped the group with 15 points, ahead of Puerto Rico who finished second with 12.
Bonaire snuck into the third spot on the final day on seven points with a 3-2 win over the Cayman Islands while the Turks and Caicos Islands finish fourth with six.
St Kitts and Nevis fell to fifth in the standings on four points while Cayman remain rooted at the foot of the table having lost all five games.
The young Boyz were the better of the two teams on the night and had several opportunities to open the scoring early in the contest.
Defender Marlon van de Wetering crafted the first real opportunity when he dribbled into the midfield from out wide, playing the ball into Jahmarie Nolan who did just enough to lay it off to Howell.
Howell found himself crowded off the ball by a trio of Puerto Rican defenders before he could get his shot off.
Van de Wetering created a second opportunity soon after, sending a dangerous ball to the back post to Claver Nugent who could not apply the right finish.
Howell was on hand to open the scoring with a stunning effort just past the half hour mark.
Standing over a free kick, Howell defied everyone's expectations as he went for goal from a tight angle, beating the Puerto Rican goalkeeper at his near post.
The Boyz should have doubled their lead in the second half when Nolan was set free with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The youngster was uncharacteristically tame in his execution as he hit the ball directly into the path of the goalkeeper.
Puerto Rico had their chances at goal, with their best opportunity falling to Eddiel Marquez who could not find the final touch before a diving clearance from Jamaican custodian Joshua Grant.
Despite Puerto Rico's pressure, Jamaica maintained their lead until the final whistle.
Jamaica advance to the Concacaf Men's U20 Championship where they will compete for a spot in the 2027 FIFA Men's U20 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
The U20 Championship is set to kick off July 25 and end on August 9.
