Princess Margaret School (PMS) picked up where they left off last season, sweeping both the male and female divisions of the Ministry of Sports Cool and Smooth/Joma Caribbean Knockout Cup on Friday evening at the ABFA Technical Centre.
Despite significant changes both on and off the field, the powerhouse school demonstrated they remain the standard-bearers in youth football, delivering commanding performances in both finals.
The evening’s opening final between the defending champion PMS girls and Antigua Girls High School (AGHS) delivered high drama befitting the occasion.
National youth player Nafisa Quashie announced her intentions early, showcasing her exceptional technique with a brilliantly struck free kick that gave “The Ladies in Blue” the lead. However, PMS refused to fold, with Shamoya Weekes restoring parity with a well-taken equalizer that silenced the AGHS supporters.
With the match locked at 1-1 and tensions mounting, the irresistible Irresia Allen produced the moment of magic that would decide the contest. The PMS forward unleashed a spectacular overhead shot from the left flank that arced beautifully over the outstretched arms of the AGHS goalkeeper and into the net, sparking wild celebrations.
The 2-1 victory sealed back-to-back titles for PMS, with team captain Kamelia Hughes earning Most Valuable Player honors for her leadership and performance throughout the tournament.
The evening’s second final saw PMS’s male team deliver a clinical 2-0 victory over Harrison Centre, powered by the exceptional talents of national youth players Mario Lewis and Shumba Thomas.
The dynamic duo proved too much for Harrison Centre to handle, combining skill, pace, and tactical awareness to control the match from start to finish.
Lewis opened the scoring with a poacher’s finish, timing his run perfectly to tap home from close range after a corner kick delivery caused chaos in the Harrison Centre penalty area.
Not content with simply scoring, Lewis then turned provider with a moment of brilliance that showcased his complete game. The young star delivered an inch-perfect long pass that split the Harrison Centre defence and found Thomas in the 18-yard box.
Thomas demonstrated why he’s considered one of the brightest prospects in Antigua and Barbuda football, dribbling past two defenders with skill and composure before maneuvering into a scoring position and calmly slotting home the second goal to seal the championship.
The double triumph confirms that PMS remains the premier force in youth football despite the inevitable roster changes that come with each new academic year. The performances of their national youth team representatives suggest the school’s conveyor belt of talent shows no signs of slowing down.
With both titles now secured, PMS will look to maintain their dominance as the regular season approaches, while their vanquished opponents will be plotting their revenge and planning how to dethrone the champions.
About The Author
