KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica came from two goals down to defeat Cayman Islands 5-3 and maintained top spot in Group One of the Under 17 Caribbean Football Union World Cup Qualifier at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in Kingston Monday night.

Jamaica were joined atop of the group on six points by Guadeloupe which blanked US Virgin Island 5-0 in the curtain raiser.

US Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands remained pointless and are out contention in advancing to the next CFU final round set for Haiti in September.

On rainy night, fans at the Complex were stunned when host Jamaica fell two goals down after just seven minutes.

An own goal by right back Fabian Grant gave Cayman a fifth minute lead and before that had soaked in, Jamaica fell further behind in the seventh minute when Elijah Seymour slotted home a left sided cross.

But the Young Reggae Boys responded well with Alex Marshall grabbing the first if his three goals in the 15th minute. Tajea Brown pulled Jamaica level in the 18th minute making it 2-2. But Cayman once again took the lead in the 25th minute courtesy of a free kick from Zachary Scott ending the half 3-2 in front.

Marshall converted penalty in the 62nd minute as Jamaica once again drew level before captain for the match, Ajeanie Talbott gave Jamaica the lead for the first time turning in a corner in the 74th minute.

Marshall returned to seal the victory with a fine solo effort in the 90th minute for a hard earned win.

On Wednesday Jamaica will play Guadeloupe to determine the group winner while US Virgin Island and Cayman Islands hunt their first point in the competition. 

Howard Walker