Boyz off the mark in Gold Cup

Jamaica began their Concacaf Gold Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Suriname in Group C at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida, yesterday.

Shamar Nicholson and Bobby Reid scored in the sixth and 26th minutes, respectively, as the Reggae Boyz increased their unbeaten streak in Gold Cup opening games to three (2017, 2019, 2021).

Goalkeeper and captain Andre Blake and defender Alvas Powell made their returns to the starting 11 after more than a year out while Nicholson, Leon Bailey and Reid played for the first time this year. The starting 11 featured four players that made their international debuts this year.

Jamaica started strongly and after Bailey managed to weave his way into the Suriname penalty area, he found Daniel Johnson on the left side and combined with Nicholson whose low drive rolled into the bottom corner of the net.

WIDE SHOT

However, Suriname, who are making their tournament debut, had an opportunity to equalise immediately after as Gleofilo Vlijter was put through on goal but his shot went wide.

The Reggae Boyz doubled their lead thanks to a brilliant effort from Bobby Reid. Damion Lowe’s long ball was partially cleared by Ryan Donk but Reid’s volley from outside the penalty area gave Suriname goalkeeper Warner Hahn no chance.

While the start of the second half saw glimpses of Suriname trying to penetrate the Jamaican defence, they almost conceded a third in the 51st minute. Michael Hector picked out a brilliant pass to Alvas Powell, whose low cross found Nicholson, but he could not make full contact to tap the ball home from close range.

Minutes later, Blair Turgott worked his way through the penalty area and found Nicholson at the edge of the penalty area but his tame shot did not trouble Hahn.

Suriname could only generate half chances throughout the second half. Sheraldo Beckford had an opportunity from a free kick but his shot sailed into the stands and he had another chance that was wide of the target.

Diego Biseswar tried a curling shot 10 minutes from full time, but it was comfortably held by Blake.

Jamaica will play Guadeloupe in their second group game on Friday.

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com

Full time stats

Jamaica Suriname

Shots 7 10

Shots on Goal 6 3

Possession 47% 53%

Passing Accuracy 82% 84%

Fouls 15 12

Yellow Cards 1 3

Jamaica: Andre Blake, Damion Lowe, Liam Moore, Amari’i Bell, Alvas Powell (Oniel Fisher 71st minute) Daniel Johnson, Michael Hector (Devon Williams 71st), Blair Turgott (Cory Burke 71st minute), Leon Bailey (Junior Flemmings 82nd minute), Bobby Reid (Lamar Walker 88th minute) , Shamar Nicholson