Turner’s brilliant free kick puts Manning’s in Ben Francis semis

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December 17, 2025

Photo

Manning’s School’s Jordan Turner (front) dribbles clear of Christiana High’s Darone Thomas during their Ben Francis KO quarterfinal match at Manchester High playing field yesterday.

A brilliant strike from substitute Jordan Turner powered The Manning's School to a 2-1 win and a place into the semifinals of the ISSA Ben Francis KO at the expense of Christiana High at Manchester High playing field.

Manning's, with the win, join Cornwall College, McGrath High and Clarendon College in tomorrow's semifinals.

Christiana High's Amanie Hibbert opened the scoring in the 62nd minute before Manning's Kajaye Williams found the equaliser in the 87th minute. Turner then hammered home a free kick in added time to seal the win.

Patrick Graham, coach of Manning's, said this showed grit and guts in their performance.

"The team showed character today. A goal down, to come back and eventually win the game gives us a great feeling," said Graham.

For Turner who stepped up from the bench and made an instant impact, the feeling was awesome.

"I came on from the bench and told myself I had to be special and the rest is history," said Turner.

Meanwhile, Declan Thomas, coach of Christiana , said the team gave away too many chances.

"In the latter part of the game, we gave away chances and it cost us the game. Overall though, it was a very good game and I am proud of our boys," said Thomas.

In an evenly contested game the fireworks began when Christiana's Hibbert netted in the 62nd minute to leave the Manning's fans jittery.

Williams, with some beautiful play, then slotted home from inside the box for the equaliser and just as it appeared that the game would be determined by penalties, a Christiana player made a bad tackle which cost his team a free kick. Turner then stepped up and sent a curler from outside the 18-yard box into the net to secure the victory.

In another game Cornwall got past Manchester High on penalties (4-2) to keep their season alive while former champions McGrath High drubbed Ocho Rios High 4-1 to also advance to the final four.