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Manning Cup quarter-finals down to the wire
November 15, 2024
All four spots in the ISSA Manning Cup semi-finals will be decided on the final day of the quarter-final round as the eight teams in the competition all stand a chance of qualification after two rounds of matches.
The top two from each group will advance to the semi-finals of the premier urban schoolboy football competition, while the remaining four teams will contest the second round of the Walker Cup.
In Group A, Jamaica College (JC) lead the way with four points, but are still within touching distance of all their group rivals, as Kingston College (KC) and Tivoli Gardens High are second and third, respectively, with three points each.
Defending champions Mona High, despite sitting at the foot of the table with one point, are still within contention.
It is a similar story in Group B, as Hydel High lead the charge for the semi-finals with four points, ahead of St Catherine High and Campion College, both on three points.
Excelsior High are behind the pace but could sneak into the final four, as they sit fourth in the group with one point.
STORYLINES
Group A will conclude their fixtures today when JC take on Tivoli at Ashenheim Stadium, while Mona High will tackle KC at Stadium East.
JC need a point to ensure they are into the next round of the competition. They will be cautious, however, as Tivoli have proven to be one of the season's dark horses. The west Kingston-based Tivoli were humbled 5-0 by KC in their opening game of the round, but recovered in time to topple Mona 3-1 in their second game.
KC will enter their fixture against Mona with both teams knowing a loss could mean the end to their title aspirations.
KC sit with the better odds as a draw, plus a JC win over Tivoli would see them remaining second in the group and advancing.
Mona will need a statement win against KC to enhance their hopes of advancing.
SPIRITED CAMPION
On Saturday, Group B will close with Hydel facing a spirited Campion College. Hydel are fresh off a 2-0 win against St Catherine High in their last outing, while Campion will look to further their campaign after clipping Excelsior High 2-0.
Excelsior, on the other hand, will be hoping to avoid elimination, but face a tough task when they go head-to-head against St Catherine High.
