Montego Bay United edge Med Forest to reach Popeyes Challenge Cup quarter-finals

Montego Bay United moved into the Popeyes Challenge Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, after a 1-0 third-round win over Med Forest in the opening match of a CVM TV double-header.

Devo McKenzie scored the decisive goal in the first half, giving Montego Bay a narrow advantage they protected through a competitive second half. Med Forest created chances and showed confidence in possession, but they could not find the finish needed to force the match level.

Montego Bay made several changes after the break, with coach Xavier Gilbert introducing Kevin Hawthorne, Ricardo Ramsey, Christopher Allen and other substitutes as his side managed the contest. Med Forest, coached by Lynch Sims, later turned to Tyler Rust and Kimoy Miller as they searched for a late response.

Goalkeeper Damen Hyatt helped keep Med Forest alive with important saves, while Montego Bay also survived late pressure, including a dangerous cross from Chevon Warren and an opportunity involving DeAndre Walker near the end. Med Forest finished with seven shots, two on target, while Montego Bay recorded 18 attempts, six of them on target. Montego Bay had 55 per cent possession to Med Forest’s 45 per cent.

Sims said Med Forest paid for one costly lapse but praised his players’ effort, noting that the team fought hard and that he found it difficult to make changes because of how well they were competing.

Gilbert said the main priority was advancing, though he accepted that Montego Bay had areas to improve. He said several young players, including some with schoolboy football experience, were given minutes and showed signs of rust and nerves. He also credited Med Forest as a capable opponent that has been pushing toward the Premier League.

The result ended Med Forest’s run and sent Montego Bay United into the last eight, where Gilbert said his team would try to make a strong push and leave the competition with something to show.