Jamaica’s Under-20 Reggae Boyz began their qualification journey with poise and authority, easing to a 3-0 triumph over Bonaire in their Group B opener of the Concacaf Men’s U20 Qualifiers at the Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca in Curaçao on Monday.
Never forced beyond a comfortable rhythm, Jamaica dictated tempo from the opening whistle and methodically dismantled a disciplined Bonaire side. Goals from Sean Leighton, Deshawn Lambert, and substitute Raequan Campbell-Dennis secured a result that immediately placed the Young Boyz among the early pace-setters in Group B.
Patience rewarded after early resistance
Despite dominating possession and territory, Jamaica encountered a compact and organized defensive block that delayed the breakthrough. Bonaire’s structure frustrated the Caribbean powerhouse for nearly half an hour before the deadlock was finally broken in the 25th minute.
Jabarie Howell delivered a precise cross into the penalty area, where Jahmarie Nolan rose to meet it. Nolan’s header struck the upright, but Leighton reacted fastest, calmly slotting home the rebound to give Jamaica the lead their control had long promised.
From that moment, the match settled into a familiar pattern, Jamaica probing, Bonaire absorbing.
Fortunate second goal extends control
Jamaica doubled their advantage just before halftime, though the sequence owed as much to fortune as design. Lambert’s header appeared routine for the goalkeeper, yet a costly miscommunication with a defender allowed the ball to slip awkwardly into the near post.
The mishap effectively removed any lingering uncertainty, sending Jamaica into the interval firmly in command at 2-0, two minutes from the halftime break.
Professional management, clinical finish
With the outcome largely in hand, the Young Boyz returned for the second half intent on managing the contest rather than accelerating it. Their intensity dipped, but their superiority remained evident.
The third goal arrived in the 72nd minute through a sharp attacking movement. Marlon van de Wetering maneuvered past his marker inside the box and delivered a measured pass to Campbell-Dennis, whose first-time finish sealed the result and underscored Jamaica’s depth.
Late setback fails to dampen dominance
The only blemish on an otherwise composed performance came seven minutes from time when Jamoy Dennis received a second yellow card and was sent off, forcing Jamaica to finish with 10 men. By then, however, the contest had long been decided.
Elsewhere in the group, Puerto Rico edged St Kitts and Nevis 2-1, while the Turks and Caicos Islands rallied from behind to defeat the Cayman Islands by the same scoreline.
Jamaica now sits atop Group B on goal difference, level on three points with Puerto Rico and Turks and Caicos Islands. The Young Boyz will next face Turks and Caicos Islands on Wednesday with an opportunity to tighten their grip on the group.
