Host country Guatemala ended Jamaica’s quest for a place at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup when they edged the Caribbean side 2-1 in their round of 16 clash at the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship in Guatemala on Saturday evening.
The home side took the lead in the 32nd minute through Selvin Sagastume, but Jamaica’s Ronaldo Barrett restored parity with his second free-kick goal of the tournament in the 54th minute.
However, Gabino Vasquez took advantage of a botched clearance by Jamaican captain Ahir Dixon to fire home the winner with 13 minutes remaining in regulation time.
The home side has booked a date with powerhouse United States on Wednesday, while the Jamaicans head home, having failed to add to their two FIFA World Cup appearances, the last of which came in 2011.
The United States, Mexico and Canada were also winners on the day and have advanced to the quarterfinal round, where they will attempt to qualify for the 2023 FIFA Under-17 Men’s World Cup.
The round of 16 concluded on Sunday and will be followed by the quarter-finals on February 21 and 22, semi-finals on February 24, and final two days later in Guatemala City.
The four semi-finalists will qualify for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Peru 2023.
