Mount Pleasant rout JDF 6-1 to reach Popeyes Challenge Cup final

Mount Pleasant FC moved into the 2026 Popeyes Challenge Cup final on Saturday night with a 6-1 win over Jamaica Defence Force FC at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in Arnett Gardens.

JDF, the last second-tier side left in the competition, held their own for much of the first half and answered Mount Pleasant’s opener quickly. Phillips put the Caribbean champions in front with a low strike from around the edge of the area, but Tjon Williams levelled for the soldiers with a sharp left-footed finish after controlling the ball under pressure.

Mount Pleasant restored the lead in first-half stoppage time when Daniel Green reacted quickest after an Anglin effort was not held. From there, the match swung heavily toward the St Ann club.

Alex Marshall made it 3-1 early in the second half, finishing after a deflected cross reached him at the far side. Green later added his second of the night from a Javier Henry pass, pushing his tournament tally to five. Late goals involving Demarco Smith and Anglin completed the 6-1 scoreline.

Molynes United had earlier beaten Montego Bay United 5-2 to book the first place in the final. Mount Pleasant will now face Molynes on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. at the same venue.

Mount Pleasant head coach Theodore Whitmore said the victory was important and praised the contribution of his younger players. JDF coach Donovan Denninsson Jr said his team knew the task would be difficult against the Caribbean champions, adding that chasing the game in the second half opened them up.