Montego Bay United edge Portmore to reach Popeyes Challenge Cup semi-finals

Montego Bay United moved into the 2026 Popeyes Challenge Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night, beating recently crowned Jamaica Premier League champions Portmore United 1-0 at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex.

Deo McKenzie settled the quarter-final after only three minutes, driving a powerful right-footed effort from about 23 yards beyond goalkeeper Devet Payton. It was McKenzie's second decisive Challenge Cup goal in a week, following his match-winner against Med Forest.

Portmore, who fielded a changed and youthful line-up after winning their record eighth Premier League title, struggled early as Montego Bay United controlled the opening exchanges. Montego Bay had finished second in the JPL regular season before ending fourth in the playoffs, and the cup represented their remaining chance at silverware.

Portmore improved after the slow start and created several openings. Their best chance was stopped by Tajay Cooper, who headed a goal-bound effort off the line and later made more key blocks as Montego Bay defended their narrow lead.

Dwight Merrick nearly sealed the result in stoppage time with a free kick that Payton turned on to the post. Portmore also threatened late through Jaheen Rose, but could not force penalties.

Assistant coach Dylan Telwell said Montego Bay showed from the start that they wanted a semi-final place. "We can go all the way once the guys believe in themselves," he said, adding that the team must take the competition one match at a time.

Portmore assistant coach Ricardo Smith said his side was beaten by "a brilliant goal" and noted that several under-18 and under-20 players were involved. He said Portmore needed to be sharper in the final third.

Montego Bay United will face Molynes United in Saturday's semi-final, while Jamaica Defence Force will meet Mount Pleasant in the other last-four match.