Former seven-time champions Excelsior and record 28-time winners Jamaica College will contest the 2025 ISSA Manning Cup final after both teams delivered emphatic semi-final victories to stay on course for corporate area schoolboy football supremacy.
Excelsior booked their place in the showpiece with a 3-1 win over Eltham in the first semi-final, powered by a brace from Terrence Williams. After a cagey opening half, Kimarly Scott broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time to give the Mountain View Avenue-based school a 1-0 advantage at the break.
Williams doubled Excelsior’s lead in the 51st minute, before Steven Bull briefly reignited Eltham’s hopes with a goal in the 70th minute. However, Williams sealed the result with his second of the contest in the 82nd minute, putting the outcome beyond doubt.
The victory sent Excelsior through to their first Manning Cup final since 2006, a landmark achievement for head coach Keon Broderick and his squad.
Winning coach Keon Broderick reflected on the performance afterwards.
Excelsior’s triumph set up a mouth-watering final clash with traditional powerhouse Jamaica College, who were equally dominant in the second semi-final, registering a 4-0 drubbing of St Andrew Technical.
Duwanye Burgher (32, 68) led the charge for the Dark Blues with a brace, while Jamone Lyle (38) and Jamoy Dennis (63) also got on the scoresheet to complete a commanding display.
Jamaica College head coach Raymond Watson gave his assessment following the comprehensive win.
The 2025 ISSA Manning Cup final is scheduled for a 6:00 pm kick-off at the National Stadium on Friday, where Excelsior will chase an eighth title and Jamaica College will aim to extend their record haul to 29 championships.
