As Lucas Bergvall experienced the joy of qualifying for FIFA World Cup 2026, it was the other side of football's emotions for Tyrese Hall as Jamaica lost their play-off against DC Congo on Tuesday night.
The Academy midfielder, currently on loan at Notts County, came off the bench on 83 minutes as the FIFA Play-off Tournament decider went to extra time in Guadalajara, Mexico. In the end, it was decided by the only goal in the first half of extra time as Axel Tuanzebe bundled home from a corner to send DC Congo to their first FIFA World Cup since 1974.
Elsewhere, it was a busy night of friendly action for our players.
Jamie Donley scored for Northern Ireland in a 1-1 friendly draw against Wales. The playmaker, a product of our Academy currently on loan at Oxford United, initially struck the post with his header from Justin Devenny's cross, but was calm as you like to tuck away the rebound to open the scoring after 22 minutes in Cardiff. Sorba Thomas levelled for Wales a minute into the second half. Jamie played 64 minutes.