Mount Pleasant rout Molynes 5-1 to lift inaugural Popeyes Challenge Cup

Mount Pleasant added the inaugural Popeyes Challenge Cup to their season's honours on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, defeating Molynes United 5-1 in the final at the JW Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.

The Caribbean champions made a fast start and were two goals clear inside 12 minutes. Daniel Green, who entered the match as the competition's leading scorer, capitalised on a defensive mix-up in the seventh minute to put Mount Pleasant ahead. Taj Mintosh then headed in from close range five minutes later after Molynes failed to deal with a ball into the area.

Molynes had reached the final after beating Saka Club Brown's Town 2-1, coming from behind to edge True Juice FC 2-1, and overpowering Montego Bay United 5-2 in the semi-finals. Mount Pleasant's path included a 5-0 win over Lime Hall, a penalty shootout victory after a 1-1 draw with Chapelton Maroons, and a 6-1 semi-final win against Jamaica Defence Force.

Nicholas Nelson gave Molynes hope in the 74th minute, turning in from a set piece to cut the deficit to 2-1. But Mount Pleasant answered almost immediately, with Mintosh striking again to restore the two-goal cushion.

Substitute Shakil Bradford then finished the contest in emphatic fashion, scoring twice late on as Mount Pleasant pulled away. Bradford's first came near the end of regulation time after a pass opened the Molynes defence, and his second followed in added time with a low finish past goalkeeper Darren Don.

After the match, Mount Pleasant coach Theodore Tappa Whitmore said his players executed in a final they knew would be demanding. Molynes assistant coach Zavian Virgo said his team started slowly, but credited the squad for reaching the final and finding positives to build on.

Deario Phillips was named man of the match, while Mount Pleasant ended the campaign with another title after also winning the Caribbean Cup.