Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Jamaica's Kabari Palmer takes the ball ahead of the United States' Zachary MacMath during Friday night's clash at the National Stadium. The Jamaicans came from two goals down to win 3-2. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

TWELVE MINUTES away from certain elimination, Jamaica's young Reggae Boyz staged a miraculous last stand, coming from two goals behind to knock off regional kingpins, the United States, and set up a winner-take-all showdown with Trinidad and Tobago tonight at the National Stadium.

Once again the equation is a simple one for the young Boyz: Beat regional rivals T&T and book what had seemed an almost impossible spot in South Korea this summer for the Under-17 World Cup, or lose the game and stay home.

A draw, the third possibility, would see them, Trinidad and Tobago and Canada all locked on four points and goal difference would then decide the final spot.

After seeing his team pull off an astounding victory against the U.S., their only chance of survival after losing their first two games, Under-17 coach David Hunt believes his team has what it takes to snatch the final spot.

"The team has now created history not once but twice, and I think that we will be able to do it again come Sunday," Hunt said.

"However it's going to be a tough game. Both teams have a chance to go through."

Glimmer of hope

The Jamaicans, needing to win, got off to a poor start when U.S. right back Sheanon Williams drifted down Jamaica's left flank before blasting a fierce shot which flew over the head of Jamaica 'keeper Oneil Wilson, before nestling high into the roof of the net at the back post in the 15th minute.

All seemed lost when the U.S., continuing their onslaught down the same wing, again found the back of the net in the 33rd minute, this time through the nippy Alexander Nimo. With less than 15 minutes remaining, some spectators had already begun to file out of the stadium when substitute Akeem Brown, netted in the 78th minute.

Four minutes later, Brown split the U.S. defence with a pass out wide for a sprinting Noel Mais, who whipped a square across the area which Jamaican skipper Dever Orgill latched on to and the Reggae Boyz were level.

With the momentum in their favour, they went on to do the near unbelievable after a handled ball in the area, John Ross Doyley step up to the spot and booted a well-taken penalty past U.S. custodian Glenroy Samuel and Jamaica were right back in contention for one of the three berths to August's Cup.

In today's early encounter at 5:00 p.m. the U.S. will face Costa Rica. Both sides have qualified for South Korea.