KC and JC rise from the brink of defeat to set up epic Walker Cup final

Kingston College (KC), the joint most successful school in ISSA Walker Cup history, booked their place in Friday’s final against traditional rivals Jamaica College (JC) after a stirring comeback win against Manning Cup defending champions Excelsior High on Saturday.

Living up to their famous motto, “The Brave May Fall But Never Yield,” KC overturned a one-goal deficit in dramatic fashion, scoring twice in the final seven minutes to complete a memorable 2-1 victory at Stadium East. Trailing 0-1 from Friday’s rain-interrupted semi-final, the North Street-based school needed just 25 minutes of the resumed contest to turn the game on its head, demonstrating the fighting spirit that has made them one of the most successful teams in the competition. With penalties looming, the talented Zaire Douse produced a moment of magic in the 83rd minute, unleashing a spectacular 25-metre strike that flew past the outstanding Jamari Gordon in the Excelsior goal to restore parity. KC were not finished, however, and completed their remarkable turnaround in the 88th minute when prolific striker Deshawn Byfield latched onto a superb cross following a well-constructed attacking move and calmly tapped home from close range.

A Kingston College defender challenges a shot by an Excelsior High attacker in their Walker Cup semi-final on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

The late double sent the KC supporters into celebration and shattered Excelsior’s hopes of reaching the final. Excelsior had entered the resumption with the advantage after Aldrano Walters bundled home from a corner in the 45th+2 minute on Friday. The game was subsequently interrupted by heavy rainfall and abandoned in the 65th minute, leaving the teams to return Saturday to complete the contest. KC returned with a clear mission, playing with greater urgency and attacking intent before their persistence finally paid off in a thrilling finish. They will now turn their attention to a mouth-watering final against JC, who secured their place after edging Mona High 4-3 on penalties following an exhilarating 3-3 draw in the second semi-final. JC appeared to be cruising towards victory after racing into a two-goal lead through Jamone Lyles and Donald Stewart, who struck in the fifth and ninth minutes, respectively. But Mona responded impressively, with Sean Leighton reducing the deficit in the 13th minute before Skylar McFarlane completed the comeback in the 62nd minute, calmly finishing after a well-worked attacking move to make it 2-2. Mona grew in confidence and looked the more likely team to snatch victory as the contest approached its conclusion. Their persistence appeared to have paid off when Judah Edmonds-Hall scored from close range in the 90th+2 minute to put them 3-2 ahead. JC, however, refused to surrender and delivered a dramatic response of their own. Demario Stone struck in the 90th+5 minute to restore parity and force the contest into a penalty shoot-out. In the ensuing battle from the spot, Lyles, Duwayne Burgher, Delajahe McCormack and Jaquan Brown converted for JC. Mona’s Leighton missed their opening kick, while Franklyn Mitcham failed to convert their fifth attempt, handing JC a 4-3 victory. Nathaniel McCarthy, Morgan and Damario Brown scored for Mona, but their efforts were not enough to prevent JC from advancing. With both traditional powerhouses overcoming challenging semi-finals, the stage is now set for an absorbing Walker Cup final on Friday, October 16. KC will be seeking to add another title to their impressive record of nine wins, while JC will be eager to deny their historic rivals and claim the coveted trophy for the fourth time. - Howard Walker