Reggae Boyz begin Nations League with draw
Published:Sunday | June 5, 2022 | 12:16 AMDaniel Wheeler - Staff Reporter
ON THE one hand, Jamaica have started their Concacaf Nations League campaign without losing, but on the other, the Reggae Boyz missed an opportunity to make a statement after they drew 1-1 with Suriname in their opening League A match at the Dr Ir Franklin Essed Stadion in Paramaribo, Suriname.
Junior Flemmings opened the scoring in the 39th minute but an Amal Knight own goal levelled proceedings in the 84th minute, as Jamaica escaped with a point but will be kicking themselves for not getting all three.
With five overseas-based players unable to make the trip to Suriname including Spartak Moscow’s Shamar Nicholson, interim head coach Paul Hall selected a starting 11 that included returns for Phoenix Rising’s Kevon Lambert and Tyreek Magee. Lambert was making his first appearance since June 2021 against Serbia, while MaGee was playing for the first time since their World Cup qualifier against the United States in October. MaGee was not called up for the November, January or March windows.
Captain and goalkeeper Andre Blake, who was originally in the starting line-up was a late scratch because of an apparent injury picked up during the warm-up. Knight replaced him in goal.
BOTH TEAMS STRUGGLED
The fast-paced nature of the game resulted in both teams struggling to real get a foothold in the first half.
While Suriname had moments where they caused the Jamaican defence problems, they also could not close the avenues that the Reggae Boyz were opening.
In the 12th minute, MaGee found Leon Bailey on the back post, but could not get on the end of the cross for the opener. But 10 minutes later, Suriname had a golden opportunity to take the lead as a pass found Roscello Vlijter, whose shot sail over the bar.
The Jamaicans also had to hold their breath when Knight came off his line to close down a Suriname player, who was advancing in the final third.
While Knight could not stop him, defender Richard King extinguished the danger. The intensity continued throughout the half but six minutes before the break, the Reggae Boyz got their reward with their first shot on target. Javain Brown intercepted a pass in the opposing half and his low cross found Flemmings, whose low shot trickled past goalkeeper Warner Hahn.
The second half saw Suriname increase the pressure on the Jamaicans, though without creating clear-cut chances.
While Jamaica had gilt-edged opportunities of their own, they were constantly under siege by Suriname, especially in the final 15 minutes. The dam broke in the 84th as from a corner kick, Knight’s attempted clearance deflected off his hand and rolled into his net to send the capacity crowd into celebrations.
Both teams had an opportunity in the final minutes to steal three points as Knight had to fend off a Suriname free kick, while in stoppage time Parris found substitute Daniel Green but his tame shot was saved.
Jamaica ended the game in the ascendency, with the final opportunity going to them, but Parris and Green got in each other’s way and the eventual shot was deflected wide for a corner.
Jamaica will face Suriname again on Tuesday, this time at the National Stadium at 8:00 p.m before taking on Mexico on June 14.
Jamaica XI: Amal Knight, Ricardo Thomas (Kenroy Campbell 53rd minute), Javain Brown, Damion Lowe, Richard King, Devon Williams, Kevon Lambert, Leon Bailey, Tyreek Magee (Kaheem Parris 71st minute), Junior Flemmings, Atapharoy Bygrave (Daniel Green 90)