‘Never say die’
‘Never say die’ . ‘Never say die’ Hydel into Champions Cup semis
The Jamaica Observer
Hydel High's Dontae Brooks (second right) celebrates with his teammates after scoring in their ISSA/Wata Champions Cup quarter-final game against Garvey Maceo High played at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Saturday. (Photo: Paul Reid)

HYDEL High returned to the semi-finals of the ISSA/Wata Champions Cup after coming from behind to beat Garvey Maceo 3-2 in their quarter-final game played at Montego Bay Sports Complex on Saturday. Their coach, Devon Anderson, described the performance as “never say die”.

It was almost a repeat of last year when Hydel High beat Garvey Maceo 4-2 in the first round; now they will face Jamaica College in the semi-finals on Wednesday at the National Stadium.

It was Garvey Maceo who led early in the game that was played mostly in heavy rain, but Hydel responded in a decisive manner and, after drawing level in the 20th minute, never trailed again.

“This is the normal gutsy performance from Hydel — the never-say-die mentality,” Anderson told the Jamaica Observer. “We came out here knowing it would not be easy, but we were up to the task and fought to the end.”

Anderson gave credit to his players.

“They left it all out there on the field,” he said. “Every win is important for us as it takes us closer to where we want to be.”

Garvey Maceo Head Coach Lester Hibbert bemoaned his team’s wastefulness in front of goal.

“We got our chances but we just did not make use of them,” he said. “When you get your chances you must execute and score the goals — and I believe that is what hurt us here today.”

Garvey Maceo started well and were rewarded when Omarian O’Brian ran almost the entire length of the Hydel half down the left wing, cut into the area, and powered a shot past goalkeeper Idrian Robinson in the 12th minute.

Dontae Brooks responded for Hydel when he scored from close range in the 20th minute, and then took the lead in the 58th minute when D’Sean Henry powered home from the edge of the six-yard box.

Garvey Maceo responded quickly thereafter when Delano Thompson finished off a good team move, beating goalkeeper Robinson from about four yards out.

Hydel High had the final say, however, when Keyanni Jackson scored the winner in the 75th minute.
Jamaica
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2024-11-24
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‘Never say die’ Hydel into Champions Cup semis
‘Never say die’