Reggae Boyz hold Mexico for Gold Cup spot

The decade-long wait for a home win against Mexico will have to continue.

However, Jamaica ensured that they will have a slim lead over their group in the Concacaf Nations League into the new year after their 1-1 draw at the National Stadium last night, but more importantly, are one of the two teams from the group to make next year’s Concacaf Gold Cup.

Leon Bailey gave the Reggae Boyz the lead in the fourth minute while Luis Romo equalised in the third minute of first-half stoppage time as the rain came pouring down.

While it was a defensive performance that was nervy, and at times frustrating, the Boyz held off the Mexican charge to share the spoils. In truth, the Jamaicans also had chances to pull off a famous win.

The last time Jamaica faced Mexico was in January in their World Cup qualifier where they lost 2-1. Defender Damion Lowe was sent off in that game. Jamaica’s last home win against Mexico was in 2008 when Ricardo Fuller scored the lone goal in a 1-0 victory.

Interim head coach Paul Hall welcomed the return of goalkeeper and captain Andre Blake to the starting line-up after missing the last two games because of an undisclosed injury.

Jamoi Topey replaced the injured Richard King, while Bailey returned as a starter after coming off the bench in their 3-1 win over Suriname

Mexico attacked from kick-off, with the hosts almost conceding in the first two minutes. Blake’s safe hand denied the close-range effort on that occasion.

FIRST GOAL

But two minutes later, the home team would roar into the lead with their first attacking sequence of the game. Shamar Nicholson latched on to a pass from Ravel Morrison and his cross found the head of Bailey, who powered the ball into the net.

Jamaica would come close to doubling their lead in the eighth minute, as from a corner kick, Nicholson’s header came off the crossbar and the resulting shot from Bailey sailed over the bar.

Still, Jamaica continued to look vulnerable defensively, as the Mexicans, found joy down Jamaica’s left. Oberlin Pineda got free in the box in the 20th minute but his shot was wide.

Jamaica were soaking up the pressure for the final 15 minutes of the half, though Bailey’s curling effort in the 34th could have hurt.

Mexican pressure did eventually break the Jamaican defence with the last kick of the half.

From a free kick, the delivery found the head of Romo, who guided the ball past Blake.

The second half saw Jamaica display some early initiative with their first shot replicating the euphoria of the first half.

A Bailey pass found Nicholson and he lifted the ball over Mexican goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota, forcing the Mexican defence into a goal-line clearance.

While Jamaica attempted to stay on the front foot after the restart, the Mexicans found ways of keeping Jamaica honest.

Blake was forced to make numerous saves during this period and as the rain came in the final 15 minutes, the Jamaicans would stay strong enough to escape with a point.

Jamaica lead the group with five points, while Mexico are in second with four. The Reggae Boyz will face Mexico in their group decider next March.

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com

Jamaica XI: Andre Blake, Javain Brown, Amarii Bell, Damion Loew, Jamoi Topey, Devon Williams, Kevon Lambert (Rolando Aarons 81st minute), Ravel Morrison, Leon Bailey, Junior Flemmings, Shamar Nicholson.