Figueroa punishes slow-starting Reggae Boyz in Kingston
Key Points(5)
- Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz were left to rue a sluggish start and a lack of attacking quality after Honduras secured a 1-0 victory at the National Stadium on Monday night, dealing another blow to their Concacaf Nations League knockout-stage hopes.
- Keyrol Figueroa’s 14th-minute strike proved decisive as Honduras ended a long winless run against Jamaica and collected their first victory in League A Group B.
- The result left both teams on three points after two matches, although Jamaica dropped to fourth in the six-team standings ahead of Friday’s trip to El Salvador.
- Honduras strike early Rudolph Speid had anticipated an aggressive response from Honduras after their opening defeat, but Jamaica appeared unprepared for the intensity of the visitors’ opening spell.
- Honduras repeatedly exposed the Jamaican defense in the early stages, with Andre Blake twice coming to his team’s rescue before Figueroa finally broke through.
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz were left to rue a sluggish start and a lack of attacking quality after Honduras secured a 1-0 victory at the National Stadium on Monday night, dealing another blow to their Concacaf Nations League knockout-stage hopes.
Keyrol Figueroa’s 14th-minute strike proved decisive as Honduras ended a long winless run against Jamaica and collected their first victory in League A Group B.
The result left both teams on three points after two matches, although Jamaica dropped to fourth in the six-team standings ahead of Friday’s trip to El Salvador.
Honduras strike early
Rudolph Speid had anticipated an aggressive response from Honduras after their opening defeat, but Jamaica appeared unprepared for the intensity of the visitors’ opening spell.
Honduras repeatedly exposed the Jamaican defense in the early stages, with Andre Blake twice coming to his team’s rescue before Figueroa finally broke through.
The breakthrough came after a sharp combination ended with Jonathan Rubio delivering from the right. Figueroa reacted quickest inside the six-yard box to stab the ball past Blake.
The goal came shortly after Jamaica had lost Renaldo Cephas, who was forced off in the 12th minute with what appeared to be a left hamstring injury. Cephas had been the match-winner in the Boyz’ dramatic comeback against Guatemala three days earlier.
Jamaica gradually found its footing after conceding.
Kaheim Dixon provided a spark on the right, beating his marker before sending a dangerous cross toward Bailey Cadamarteri at the back post. The forward could not make clean contact, however.
Kasey Palmer then created space inside the penalty area, but goalkeeper Edrick Menjivar was positioned well to make the save. Cadamarteri also dispossessed a defender and raced toward goal, only for Menjivar to block his powerful effort.
Honduras remained dangerous and nearly doubled the lead before halftime, with Luis Palma heading wide.
Red card, little response
Jamaica’s search for an equalizer became increasingly difficult as their attacking play remained disjointed after the interval.
Honduras were reduced to 10 men when Dereck Moncada was sent off by Costa Rican referee Juan Gabriel Calderon for violent conduct.
The numerical advantage, however, failed to produce the expected Jamaican pressure.
Instead, Honduras continued to threaten on the counter. Alenis Vargas broke down the left and delivered a dangerous cross that Jamaica survived after Honduras failed to capitalize.
Dixon remained Jamaica’s most threatening outlet and came close in the 77th minute, sending a fierce shot narrowly past the upright.
Shortly after Javon East had an opportunity after a loose ball fell to him on the edge of the area, but he failed to connect cleanly and Menjivar gathered comfortably.
Blake was then forced into another save when Vargas drove a low effort toward goal.
Jamaica pushed forward late but could not breach a disciplined Honduran defense, leaving the Boyz empty-handed despite playing the final 22 minutes against 10 men.
Group tightens
The defeat leaves Jamaica level with Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador on three points, while Suriname moved clear at the top with six points from two matches.
Guatemala occupy second on goal difference, with Honduras third and Jamaica fourth. El Salvador are fifth, while Martinique remain without a point.
Jamaica now face El Salvador on Friday needing a response as the race for advancement tightens.
Teams: Jamaica: Andre Blake, Joel Latibeaudiere, Richard King, Brandon Cover (Miguel Freckleton 46th), Ronaldo Webster (Dwayne Atkinson 83rd), Karoy Anderson, Kasey Palmer (Javon East 62nd), Isaac Hayden (Courtney Clarke 62nd), Kaheim Dixon, Bailey Cadamarteri, Renaldo Cephas (Tyreece Campbell 12th).
Booked: Cover (27th), Latibeaudiere (37th), Cadamarteri (41st), Atkinson (85th).
Subs not used: Shaquan Davis, Amal Knight, Tayvon Gray, Damion Lowe, Christopher Ainsworth, Jamone Lyle.
Honduras: Edrick Menjivar, Denil Maldonado, Giancarlo Sacaza, Cristopher Melendez, Jonathan Rubio (Kervin Arriaga 71st), Joseph Rosales, Keyrol Figueroa (Bryan Rochez 75th), Luis Palma (Exon Arzu 83rd), Jose Reyes (Alenis Vargas 71st), Dereck Moncada, Deybi Flores.
Booked: Melendez (52nd), Maldonado (56th), Moncada (ejected 68th).
Subs not used: Alex Guity, Luis Ortiz, Luis Vega, Clever Portillo, Victory Vandenbroucke, Edwin Rodriquez, Erick Puerto, Clinton Benett.
Match officials: Referee Juan Calderon (Costa Rica); First Assistant Juan Mora (Costa Rica); Second Assistant William Arrieta (Costa Rica); Fourth Official Pablo Camacho (Costa Rica); Match Commissioner Aristide Conner (Saint Martin).
Concacaf Nations League A — Group B Standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| ----------- | -: | -: | -: | -: | -: | --: |
| Suriname | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | +2 | 6 |
| Guatemala | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | +5 | 3 |
| Honduras | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Jamaica | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| El Salvador | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -4 | 3 |
| Martinique | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -3 | 0 |
