Montego Bay United beat Med Forest 1-0 to reach Popeyes Challenge Cup quarterfinals

Montego Bay United advanced to the Popeyes Challenge Cup quarterfinals with a 1-0 win over Med Forest in Wednesday’s round-three match, as Devere McKenzie’s first-half strike proved enough to settle the contest.

The result kept Montego Bay’s bid alive after their Jamaica Premier League campaign ended without silverware. Coach Xavier Gilbert made several changes during the game, bringing on Ricardo Ramsey, Kevin Hawthorne and Christopher Allen as his side tried to protect a narrow advantage and keep fresh legs in midfield.

Med Forest, who were slower to use their bench, stayed in the match and showed confidence in possession. Leondre Walker was lively in one-on-one moments, Shavon Warren delivered dangerous balls into the area, and Jeffrey Robinson remained a threat despite appearing to struggle physically after the interval. Still, Med Forest lacked the final touch in front of goal.

Montego Bay had chances to put the game away. Shadoy Gibbs fired over after a weak punch from Damian Hyatt, while Malachi Sterling forced Hyatt into a strong stop in the closing stages. Ramsey also sent a volley high after the ball fell kindly to him.

Med Forest pressed late and nearly found a leveller when a Warren cross created panic in the Montego Bay defence, but the chance was cleared. Maro Ferguson was booked for stopping a promising Montego Bay attack, while the match ended with Med Forest still searching for the equalising goal.

Afterward, Med Forest coach Leech Sims said his team paid for one mistake and needed to be more willing to shoot. Gilbert said Montego Bay were not at their best but welcomed the victory, noting that young players had been introduced and that the club wanted to end the year with a trophy.

The broadcast also noted that JDF had earlier eliminated Cavalier 1-0, with Tevin Williams scoring in the 68th minute.