The Cuba National U15 Team defeated Manchester City 2-1 Sunday, 7 May, at Truman Bodden Sports Complex to lift the 2017 Cayman Airways Invitational U15 Youth Football Cup.

Anderson Cabello scored the winner for Cuba in the 66th minute, sparking emphatic celebrations on the field and the bench.

After a scoreless first half, Manchester City took the lead five minutes into the second when Max Bardell scored a header. Two minutes later, Cuba equalised thanks to Yasniel Rodriguez before Cabello found the back of the net to give Cuba the win over the 2016 champions.

Cuba’s captain, York Gonzales Bullana was named the tournament MVP, while his teammate, Jarion Gonsales Cabrera won the Golden Glove Award for the best goalkeeper. Cayman Airways Ltd.’s VP of Flight Operations, Dave Scott presented the champions with their medals and the winning trophy.

Earlier on Sunday, Cavaliers Soccer Club (Jamaica) defeated IMG Academy (Florida) 3-0 in the 3rd-place playoff.

Other competing teams were: Alchemy DSC (Minnesota), Bahamas Tottenham Hotspur, Cayman Islands National U15 Team, D.C. United, Harbour View F.C. (Jamaica), Houston Dynamo, La Ceiba F.C. (Honduras) and Trinidad & Tobago National U15 Team.

The tournament organised by the West Bay Sports Foundation (WBSF) was played at three venues in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac from 2-7 May.

“We’re pleased with the quality of football played over the past few days and we’re delighted that fans were able to enjoy an amazing week of football,” said WBSF co-founder Mervin Smith.

“We’re also happy that the Cayman Islands National U15 Team got some valuable match experience ahead of the CONCACAF U15 Championships this summer,” he added.

Planning has already begun for the 2018 edition of the tournament.

Semi-final results:
Cuba beat Cavaliers SC 4-0. Manchester City beat IMG Academy 3-0.