The Reggae Boyz were left frustrated after a dominant display ended in a goalless draw against a resilient 10-man Cuba in their opening CONCACAF Nations League game inside the National Stadium Friday night, as wasted opportunities and heroic goalkeeping left Jamaica ruing their missed chances.
The Boyz registered 21 shots to Cuba’s four, but poor finishing and a standout performance from Cuban goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena kept the scoreboard blank.
Jamaica began the match in commanding fashion, dictating possession and pressing Cuba’s defense early on. The first clear opportunity came in the 28th minute when Michail Antonio delivered a pass into the box for Jamal Lowe, whose shot was smothered by the onrushing Arozarena.
Lion’s share of possession
Dominating the first half with the lion’s share of possession, the Reggae Boyz restricted Cuba from registering a single shot on target. The visitors were further disadvantaged just before halftime when defender Yunior Perez received a red card for a professional foul on Antonio, on the edge of the penalty area, reducing Cuba to 10 men.
From the resulting free kick, Demarai Gray, forced Arozarena into another fine reflex save.
With the numerical advantage, Jamaica intensified their assault after the break. Gray surged forward on a counterattack shortly after the restart but lost his footing on the slippery surface, sending his shot wide of the target. Lowe then squandered another golden opportunity, firing a cross inside the penalty area high over the bar from close range.
Arozarena’s heroics kept Cuba in the contest as he produced three stunning saves in quick succession to deny Antonio, Gray, and Bobby Reid, frustrating the Jamaican attack.
Relentless pressure
Despite their man advantage and relentless pressure, the Reggae Boyz couldn’t find the breakthrough, as the match ended 0-0, leaving head coach Steve McClaren with much to ponder in his debut game.
Jamaica’s next challenge sees them traveling to Honduras on Saturday ahead of next Tuesday’s fixture, where they’ll be looking to turn their dominance into goals in their second CONCACAF Nations League match.
Teams: Jamaica – Andre Blake, Dexter Lembikisa, Amari’i Bell, Ethan Pinnock, Demarai Gray (Kaheim Dixon), Kasey Palmer, Michail Antonio, Bobby Reid, Joel Latibeaudiere (Norman Campbell), Damion Lowe, Jamal Lowe (Shamar Nicholson)
Booked: Damion Lowe, Campbell
Suns not used: Coniah Boyce-Clarke, Jahmali Waite, Michael Hector, DiShon Bernard, Richard King, Karoy Anderson, Jonathan Russell, Adrian Reid, Greg Leigh
Cuba – Raiko Arozarena, Karel Perez, Doriel Morejon (Elvis Casanova), Daniel Diaz (Yasnier Matos), Maykel Reyes (Diego Catasus), Onel Hernandez, Karel Espino, Yunior Perez, Rey Angel (Dairon Reyes), Alejandro Delgado, Orlando De La Cruz (Mario Penalver).
Booked: Angel, Yunior Perez (ejected), Morejon
Subs not used: Asmel Morgado, Yurdy Hodelin, Leando Mena, Michael Camejo, Aniel Casanova, Raydel Sanchez, David Perez
Referee: Filberto Martinez (El Salvador)
First Assistant: Oscar Barrera (El Salvador)
Second Assistant: David Moran (El Salvador)
Fourth Official: Ivan Barton (El Salvador)
Referee Assessor: Miguel Hernandez (Mexico)
