Former Jamaica Premier League champions Mount Pleasant made a strong push toward capturing their first Concacaf Caribbean Cup title on Tuesday night, edging Universidad O&M FC 1–0 in the first-leg final at Estadio Cibao FC in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.

The decisive moment came early, as Kimoni Bailey struck in the 8th minute, finishing from the center of the box after a well-driven corner from Gadaïl Irving. The early breakthrough allowed Mount Pleasant to settle into their rhythm while forcing the Dominican side to chase the game for the remainder of the contest.

Mount Pleasant nearly doubled their advantage in the 37th minute when Lamar Walker broke free on the left side, only to see his attempt denied by a sharp stop from O&M goalkeeper Iraitz Gelbentzu, who kept his side in contention with several key interventions.

In stoppage time, substitute Shaqueil Bradford unleashed a hopeful long-range effort in the 90’+4’, but Gelbentzu again proved equal to the task.

At the other end, Mount Pleasant goalkeeper Tafari Chambers delivered a composed performance, making one important save and securing a clean sheet that could prove pivotal heading into the return leg.

Mount Pleasant will now look to defend their narrow advantage when both sides meet for the second leg on Tuesday (December 2, 2025) at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.

Defence Force Take Commanding Lead in Third-Place Playoff

In the first leg of the two-way third-place series, Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force put in a commanding display, defeating Cibao FC 3–0 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

Sheldon Bateau set the tone early with a 3rd-minute opener, before veteran midfielder Kevin Molino doubled the lead in the 41st minute. Kathon St. Hillaire completed the convincing result with a strike in the 85th minute, leaving Cibao with a daunting task in the home leg.

The second leg of the third-place playoff is set for next Tuesday at Cibao Stadium in the Dominican Republic.