Big 4-1 win for Reggae Boyz
Jamaica ease past Grenada in Concacaf Nations League
Published:Friday | October 13, 2023 | 12:12 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
THE Heimir Hallgrimsson-coached Reggae Boyz maintained their unbeaten run in the Concacaf Nations League with a convincing 4-1 win over hosts Grenada in the Kirani James Stadium in St George’s last night.
Yesterday’s win pushed Jamaica to seven points from three games and they remain atop the standings in League A, Group B.
Romario Williams in the 13th minute, Shamar Nicholson in the 23rd, Demarai Gray in the 74th and stand-in captain Bobby De Cordova-Reid in the 87th were the scorers for Jamaica in a match they were expected to win easily against the lowly eastern Caribbean team.
The Reggae Boyz, who dominated possession in the opening 10 minutes, got their go-ahead goal, courtesy of a rebound which striker Romario Williams quickly lashed on to following a brilliant save from Grenada’s custodian Jason Belfon. Jamaica’s early lead was a wake-up for the Grenadian team and Josh Gabriel’s powerful left-footed effort in the 17th minute had to be carefully watched by Reggae Boyz goalkeeper Jahmali Waite.
Despite the obvious upturn in tempo by the home team, Jamaica went 2-0 up in the 23rd minute as Shamari Nicholson showed excellent composure in the box to net his 12th goal for the national team.
Jamaica may have felt that the 2-0 lead would have meant smooth sailing in the Spice Isle but saw their lead slashed as Trevon Williams, who was left unmarked in the box, gracefully accepted his chance and slotted home in the 30th minute leaving the game 2-1 at the halfway mark.
The Reggae Boyz had to wait until late in the second half to ensure victory. Demarai Gray continued his fine form as he produced a burst of speed to leave his marker in his shadow before easily slotting past goalkeeper Belfon.
Victory was sealed, courtesy of De Cordova-Reid, who, like Gray, found himself in a one-on-one situation with Belfon and he also converted his chance. The Reggae Boyz will now turn their attention to Haiti, who they will face in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, October 15 at 7 p.m.