Boyz surrender to Saudis

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's Reggae Boyz were beaten 3-0 by hosts Saudi Arabia in their first of their two friendly international matches at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium on Saturday.

Salem Al-Dawsari (10th) Saleh Al-Shehri (44th), and Firas Al-Buraikan (77th) were the goalscorers for Saudi Arabia, which made the most of defensive errors by the Jamaicans.

The Reggae Boyz started slowly as the Saudi’s dominated the early exchanges with their superior ball possession.

The hosts were finally rewarded for their efforts when they were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute, after the ball was handled inside the box by defender Kemar Lawrence from a Saudi Arabia free-kick. Al-Dawsari’s spot kick was initially saved by goalkeeper Dwayne Miller.

However, the striker was on hand to fire home the rebound.

The Reggae Boyz regrouped after going behind, as midfielder Norman Campbell came close to giving the Reggae Boyz the equaliser in the 24th minute, but his point blank chance was spectacularly turned behind for the corner kick by the Saudi Arabia’s custodian.

However, the Reggae Boyz fell further behind a minute before half-time, as Lawrence's poor back pass fell at the feet of Al-Shehri, who dribbled past two defenders before firing home from close range.

Despite the introduction of Leon Bailey, debutant Ravel Morrison and Michael Hector at the start of the second half, the Reggae Boyz fell further behind as Al-Buraikan arrived at the centre of the box to fire home for his team.

It was Saudi Arabia’s second straight victory over the Reggae Boyz following their 5-2 success over the Jamaicans in their previous meeting.

The second match will be played at the same venue on November 17.