Crystal Palace Under-21s claimed the 2023/24 Premier League International Cup after beating Jong PSV 1-0 in the final at Selhurst Park. Franco Umeh’s deflected effort in the second half decided a closely contested match and secured a memorable trophy triumph for the Young Eagles.
Palace had reached the final for a second consecutive season after overcoming Athletic Club, Benfica, Feyenoord, Monaco, Wolves and Everton. The rematch with Jong PSV also offered an opportunity to respond to last year’s 3-1 extra-time defeat, with more than 2,000 supporters attending the final in south London.
Jong PSV, who had benefited from a season of senior football in the Dutch third tier, controlled much of the early possession and created several dangerous openings. Joe Whitworth proved pivotal for Darren Powell’s side before the interval, producing a series of outstanding saves, including efforts from Tai Abed Kassus and Mohamed Nassoh. He also got a hand to Abed’s stoppage-time attempt, which struck the underside of the crossbar.
Palace emerged with greater purpose after the break but still had to withstand pressure from the visitors. Their decisive moment arrived in the 67th minute when Roshaun Mathurin combined with David Ozoh and David Devenny before delivering a low ball into the area. Umeh’s strike took a deflection off Matteo Dams, looped over the goalkeeper and dropped into the net in front of the Holmesdale Stand.
Jong PSV pushed for an equaliser late on and hit the woodwork through Nassoh, while Palace threatened on the counter through Mathurin, Devenny and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. The Eagles defended their lead through four minutes of added time, prompting jubilant celebrations at the final whistle as Palace lifted the International Cup on home soil.
