JDF stun Arnett Gardens on penalties to reach Popeyes Challenge Cup semi-finals

Jamaica Defence Force FC moved into the semi-finals of the 2026 Popeyes Challenge Cup on Wednesday, June 3, after beating Arnett Gardens 5-3 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in regular time at the Jungle.

Neither team found a breakthrough across the 90 minutes plus added time, despite chances at both ends. Arnett’s Giovani Taylor had one of the clearer early opportunities, while JDF also threatened late as Devonto Francis and others tried to force a winner before the match went to spot kicks.

JDF were flawless from the penalty mark. Kamunji Makala opened the shootout, before Arnett’s Deshawn Henry answered. Deshan Williams, Andre Langford, Tevin Cheese, Wizard and Devonto Francis were among the players who kept the sequence level until JDF goalkeeper Ben Morai Gibbs saved Shamari Chambers’ effort. Shemar Rhoden then converted the decisive kick to send the soldiers through.

Arnett assistant coach Nikico Decoy Williams said he was encouraged by the young players used in the match, even though the campaign ended in the shootout. He said the delay before one Arnett penalty may have affected concentration, but stressed that the player involved was still learning and had performed well.

JDF head coach Donovan Dennis Jr. said his side had not been intimidated by facing another Premier League opponent. He said the team defended with discipline, attacked in numbers when possible and had prepared for penalties in training, with players taking 20 to 30 kicks after sessions.

The result followed JDF’s earlier upset of Cavalier and kept their run alive as a second-tier team in the knockout competition. JDF will face the winner of Mount Pleasant and Chapelton in the semi-finals. Gibbs’ save from Chambers was selected as the Popeyes Moment of the Match.