U20s head to Concacaf Championship
Published:Thursday | February 29, 2024 | 12:10 AM
JAMAICA’S UNDER-20 Reggae Boyz secured their place in the Concacaf U20 Championship after beating Bermuda 3-2 in their final Group F qualifying game to top the standings with maximum nine points, at the St Kitts and Nevis FA Technical Centre yesterday.
Robinho Gordon got the young Boyz off to an early start, opening the scoring after just two minutes of play.
The Reggae Boyz continued to push forward and were rewarded with a second goal in the 11th minute through Fabian Reynolds’ strike.
Jamaica pressed their opponents high up the pitch, with good success. They controlled possession and had good opportunities that Tyrese Gowe and Reynolds could have done better with.
Four minutes from the break, the young Reggae Boyz had a great chance to add to their lead, but Romaine Blake scuffed his effort from the penalty spot after Reynolds was brought down inside the area.
The Bermudians came back into the match right after the break, with Xahvi Dezora pulling a goal back in the 50th minute.
Six minutes later they were on even terms when they were awarded a penalty and Hayden Dill converted expertly to make the score 2-2.
Jamaica piled on the pressure in search of the winner, and Denzil McKenzie forced a good save from a header, while Gordon hit the bar with a long-range effort.
Substitute Ashton Gordon then rescued all three points for the Jamaicans with a stunning strike in the 83rd minute.
They also had at least three other chances to extend their lead but failed to capitalise on those opportunities.
Jamaica finished atop the group with nine points, followed by Martinique on four, Bermuda three and Grenada one.
The points standing was completed with Grenada and Martinique’s 4-4 draw in the earlier game.
Nicaragua, Canada, and Haiti also secured their place at the championship. Group C and B are still to be decided.
The Concacaf U20 championship takes place in Mexico from July 19 to August 4.