Jamaica orchestrated a stunning comeback, rallying from a halftime deficit to secure a historic first-ever victory (3-2) over Canada on Canadian soil in the second leg of their CONCACAF Nations League quarter-final clash at frigid BMO Field in Toronto on Tuesday.
The Reggae Boyz thus won the two-legged contest on away goals rule after ending the aggregate score 4-4. They had lost the first leg 1-2 inside Kingston’s National Stadium on Saturday morning after the postponement of the game on Friday evening due to inclement weather which affected the island.
Bayern Munich’s Alphanso Davies gave the hosts the lead in the 25th minute, extending their aggregate lead to 3-1. However, Jamaica turned the tables with Shamar Nicholson’s quickfire brace in the 63rd and 66th minutes, levelling the aggregate score at 3-3. Ismael Kone briefly restored parity for Canada, but a handball penalty awarded to Jamaica in the 75th minute allowed Bobby Reid to secure a 3-2 victory on 78 minutes, and 4-4 over the two games.
The historic win earned Jamaica a spot in the Nations League semi-finals, scheduled for March 21, 2024, against the USA at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas, Texas. Additionally, Jamaica secured a guaranteed place in the Copa America tournament, marking their third appearance in the South American Championship.
The USA, Mexico, and Panama have also secured their places in the Copa America, with four other teams – Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, and Costa Rica – vying for the remaining spots through a play-in game.
On Saturday Canada broke a 35-year drought with victory over Jamaica in Jamaica, and for the first 45 minutes on Tuesday, they looked every bit good value for money, as they went about completing the job.
Blake pivotal in keeping his team in contention
Jamaica captain and goalkeeper, Andre Blake, played a pivotal role in keeping his team in contention with a series of remarkable saves, particularly Cyle Larin’s close-range attempts. Demarai Gray’s creativity and an effective tactical adjustment at by head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson in the second half contributed to Jamaica’s resurgence.
Blake had denied Larin in the first 10 minutes when he blocked a shot at the back post from a tantalizing low cross by Tajon Buchanan. Then on the quarter-hour mark, Blake was even more superb with a point-blank save from Larin from seven yards which left the Canadians shell-shocked.
When Davies scored off a sumptuous pass to the center by left-back Richie Laryea, there was little Blake could do, even though he partially blocked the ball which looped over him but bounced kindly into the goal as Davies and Larin made sure.
Damarai Gray missed Saturday’s game but he made his presence felt on Tuesday by being the Reggae Boyz’s most dangerous and creative weapon. Just after the half-hour mark, he served Leon Bailey, who has been wasteful over the two legs, with a decent chance but the Aston Villa man’s shot at goal was weak and easily handled by Milan Borjan.
Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson substituted the ineffective central midfielder Joel Latibeaudiere with Michael Hector at the start of the second half, with Hector dropping in at center back to accompany Ethan Pinnock, while employing Damion Lowe, who started at center back, in midfield.
More effective midfield
That simple and long overdue move presented a more effective midfield and before long it manifested into more chances through team build-up. Gray was chief engineer yet again as his cross from the left found Bailey, who smacked the ball against the crossbar with Borjan beaten.
And before long it was Lowe who robbed Steven Eustaquio of the ball deep into Canada’s half before relaying a pass to Nicholson who made no mistake.
And three minutes later Bobby Reid and Gray combined to snatch away possession of the ball from Kone, with Reid feeding Gray down the left flank, and the former Everton players centered for Nicholson to tap home.
But three minutes later the game swung yet again as Kone headed home to pull his team level and still in charge of the tie. There were more twists and turns and from an innocuous cross from the right, referee Ramos pointed to the penalty spot, as the ball brushed the hand Eustaquio, and Reid made no mistake to put Jamaica in charge of the game.
Demarai Gray was cautioned in the 83rd minute for refusing to use the stretcher to leave the pitch, and two minutes later as the player re-entered the field of play without Ramos’ permission, he was presented with a second caution with means of expulsion from the game.
Jamaica managed to hold out for the result, even with nine minutes of time added.
- Teams: Jamaica – Andre Blake, Gregory Leigh (Tayvon Gray 90th), Ethan Pinnock, Damion Lowe, Dexter Lembikisa, Joel Latibeaudiere (Michael Hector 46th), Daniel Johnson, Bobby Reid, Demarai Gray (ejected 85th), Leon Bailey (Di’Shon Bernard 90th), Shamar Nicholson
- Booked: Nicholson (54th), Lowe (57th), Demarai Gray (83rd & 85th)
- Subs not used: Amal Knight, Jahmali Waite, Javain Brown, Demario Phillips, Karoy Anderson, Deshane Beckford, Jonathan Russell, Trivante Stewart, Romario Williams
- Canada – Milan Borjan, Alistair Johnston (Liam Millar 84th), Derek Cornelius, Kamal Miller, Richie Laryea, Stephen Eustaquio (Jacen Russell-Rowe 90th), Ismael Kone (Mark-Anthony Kaye 74th), Alphanso Davies, Tajon Buchanan (Junior Hoilett 74th), Jonathan David, Cyle Larin (Jonathan Osorio (74th)
- Booked: None
- Subs not used: Dayne St. Clair, Maxime Crepeau, Sam Adekugbe, Steven Vitoria, Luc De Fougerolles, Samuel Piette, Ali Ahmed
- Referee: Cesar Ramos (Mexico)
- Assistant Referee 1: Alberto Morin (Mexico)
- Assistant Referee 2: Marco Bisguerra (Mexico)
- Fourth Official: Adonai Escobedo (Mexico)
- VAR: Ismail Elfath (USA)
- VAR 1: Kyle Atkins (USA)
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