Montego Bay United lead Med Forest in Popeyes Challenge Cup clash at Drax Hall

Montego Bay United began their 2026 Popeyes Challenge Cup campaign against Med Forest at Drax Hall Sports Complex in St. Ann, with the Jamaica Premier League side taking a 1-0 halftime lead in the third-round fixture on Wednesday, May 27.

The match brought together a fourth-place Premier League finisher and a Med Forest team that had already won twice to reach the round. Med Forest entered with momentum after eliminating Humble Lion at St. Elizabeth Technical High School, where Jeffrey Robinson scored twice to help send them through.

Before kick-off, Med Forest coach Sims said his players had little reason to feel pressure against higher-ranked opposition. He urged them to enjoy the occasion and produce their best football. Montego Bay United coach Xavier Gilbert said his squad wanted to give a better account of itself after recent disappointment, while acknowledging that Med Forest had been progressing well and would not be an easy opponent.

Montego Bay United started brightly, using the flanks to stretch Med Forest, but the lower-tier side stayed compact and threatened in transition through Robinson and DeAndre Walker. Med Forest also forced goalkeeper Marco Thompson into a save from a headed effort off a set piece.

The breakthrough came late in the first half after Med Forest failed to clear repeated pressure from the Montego Bay United attack. Deo McKenzie collected the ball outside the area and curled a precise left-footed strike into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Damen Hayyatt with no realistic chance.

Montego Bay United finished the half with the stronger spell, as Kimmani Arbone and Brian Brown helped keep pressure on the Med Forest defence. At the interval, Montego Bay United led 1-0, with the broadcast statistics showing nine shots for Montego Bay United, two for Med Forest, and possession listed at 50-50.

Elsewhere in the competition, Jamaica Defence Force FC stunned Cavalier 1-0 at Stadium East. Other reported results included Arnett Gardens beating Roaring River 3-1, Phoenix Chapelton defeating Reno 3-1, and Molynes United edging Sakka Club Brownstone 2-1.