U-17 Women draw with Curacao
U-17 Women draw with Curacao
USA-based midfielder Jade Jones delivered an impressive performance, scoring once and assisting another, as Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-17 girls battled to a 2-2 draw against host Curaçao in their opening Group F match of the Concacaf Under-17 Women’s Championship on Saturday night at the Stadion Rignaal Francisca in Willemstad.
After a goalless first half, the hosts broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when striker Jacelyn Jubithana found the back of the net to put Curaçao ahead.
However, the lead proved short-lived as Jones, who plays for FC Stars Blue in the USA, struck a confident equaliser just six minutes later to restore parity for the visitors.
T&T continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 80th minute when Jones turned provider, setting up fellow USA-born attacker Sanni Wilson of Florida United, who converted to give Trinidad and Tobago the lead for the first time and place them within sight of an opening victory.
But Curaçao responded swiftly, and just three minutes later, Jubithana teed up Xiarleahmay Marrtis Nocento, who made no mistake to level the contest at 2-2.
Despite late efforts from both teams, neither side was able to find a winner, and the match ended with the points shared.
Coach Ayanna Russell and her charges will now turn their attention to their next Group F encounter against Barbados on Wednesday, January 28, from 7 pm, before closing out round-robin play against El Salvador on Sunday, February 1, from 4 pm. All matches will be played at the Stadion Rignaal Francisca.
The 2026 Concacaf Under-17 Women’s Qualifiers is the second edition of the competition under the current two-round format, introduced in 2025. Matches are being played across four venues, with Nicaragua hosting Groups A and E, Bermuda Group B, Curaçao Groups C and F, and Aruba Group D.
At the conclusion of round-robin play, the six group winners and the two best second-placed teams will advance to the Final Round, where they will be joined by the four highest-ranked nations—Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the USA—who received byes.
Trinidad and Tobago (4-1-4-1): 21.Zofia Richards (GK) (18.Alexia Dolland GK 86); 2.Jessica Nesbitt, 4.Layla Gregoire, 3.Hackeemar Goodridge, 5.Mateja Leben; 6.Rori Gittens; 11.Sanni Wilson (captain), 10.Jade Jones, 15.Zyesha Potts (7.Shiyah Matthews 67), 13.Giuliana Meyer; 9.Tori Jean-Jacques.
Unused substitutes: 1.Saiya Smith (GK), 8.Chelsea John, 12.Sydney Pollard, 14.Gianna Changar, 16.Gyasi Lewis, 17.Shemaiah Toussaint, 19.Khloe Kirton, 20.Alia Toussaint.
Coach: Ayana Russell.
Curaçao (4-2-3-1): 1.Kingnaichely Provence (GK); 2.Elisa Huizing, 4.Q-sheena Valks Kowsoleea, 3.Jeandrelys Alexander (captain), 15.Shae-lyandra Gijsbertha; 6.Mecayla Douglas, 8.Nahla De Lanooi; 19.Christy-ann Bergland, 10.Destiny Koko, 14.Jairvienis Martina; 9.Jacelynn Jubithana.
Substitutes: 12.Jazlynn Wouter (GK), 5.Shiloh Arndell, 7.Rashima Martis, 11.Elodie Berenos, 13.Nora Damhuis, 16.Samantha Diaz, 17.Khloe Maduro, 18.D’amar Haddocks, 20.Xiarleahmay Martis Nocento.
Coach: Gamal Douglas.
Referee: Kareem Benjamin (Saint Kitts and Nevis).
