by Spectator Sports Watch
Antigua Girls High School (AGHS) booked their place in the final of the Cool & Smooth, Joma Interschools Under-16 Girls Football Competition with a dominant 5–0 victory over Ottos Comprehensive School (OCS) on Wednesday, 7th January.
AGHS took control of the semifinal from the opening whistle, applying relentless pressure on the OCS defense. Their dominance was on display from kick-off. In the 2nd minute, forward Nafisa Quashie opened the scoring. Quashie continued her outstanding performance by adding goals in the 13th and 31st minutes to complete a first-half hat-trick and put AGHS firmly in command.
Despite OCS’s efforts to regroup in the second half, AGHS maintained attacking intensity. Na’jireh Wijnaldum added two quick goals in the 59th and 60th minutes to seal a comprehensive victory and underline AGHS’s superiority on the day.
With the win, AGHS advanced to a highly anticipated final against Princess Margaret School (PMS). The matchup carries added significance, as PMS defeated AGHS 2–1 in last season’s U-16 division final and also claimed a 2–1 victory in the preseason knockout competition.
Meanwhile, action in the Boys Under-16 division saw Antigua Grammar School secure its place in the final with a solid 2–0 semifinal victory over Sir Novelle Richards Academy. Chase Joseph was the hero for AGS, finding the back of the net in the 36th and 54th minutes to lead his team to victory..
Semifinal action continued on Friday, 9th January , across other age divisions, with several schools also booking their places in upcoming finals. In the Boys Under-14 semifinal, AGS edged Jennings Secondary School 1–0 in a tightly contested encounter, with Temorey Henry scoring the decisive goal in the 23rd minute to send AGS through to a final clash against PMS.
The Girls Under-20 semifinal saw PMS deliver a dominant display, cruising to a 12–1 victory over Clarehall Secondary School. Rolesha Humphreys led the scoring with goals in the 3rd, 20th, and 39th minutes, while Iressia Allen netted in the 12th, 32nd, and 38th minutes. J’kayla Ballot added goals in the 25th, 35th, and 56th minutes, and Karmiellia Hughes completed the scoring with strikes in the 35th, 63rd, and 68th minutes, setting up the final against Antigua Girls High School.
The Boys Under-20 semifinal delivered one of the most dramatic matches of the competition, as Harrison Centre advanced with a 4–3 penalty shootout victory over PMS after the teams were locked at 2–2 at full time. Shumba Thomas scored in the 6th and 69th minutes for PMS, while Romario Christian replied with goals in the 35th and 55th minutes for Harrison Centre, forcing the match into penalties, where Harrison Centre held their nerve. Harrison Centre will now face Antigua State College in the final.
The Cool & Smooth, Joma Interschools Football Competition season reaches its climax this week, with all finals set for the national stage at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. On Wednesday, 14th January, the Girls U16 Final kicks off at 4:00 pm with AGHS vs PMS, followed by the Boys U16 Final at 6:00 pm featuring AGS vs PMS. Action continues on Thursday, 15th January, with the Boys U14 Final (AGS vs PMS) at 3:00 pm, the Girls U20 Final (AGHS vs PMS) at 4:00 pm, and the Boys U20 Final at 6:00 pm between ASC and Harrison Centre, bringing two full days of youth football, rivalry, and school pride under the lights.
