Newcomer Dixon scores winner for Reggae Boyz
Published:Saturday | March 2, 2024 | 12:10 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Kaheim Dixon continued his impressive goal scoring exploits, netting the lone goal in Jamaica’s 1-0 win over hosts Trinidad and Tobago in an international friendly at the Hasely Crawford Stadium yesterday.
Dixon, the leading scorer in last year’s schoolboy football season with more than 40 goals, has been having a remarkable season and on Friday he repaid coach Heimir Hallgrimsson’s confidence with a fine individual strike in the 58th minute to separate the teams.
“When you see a guy like Kaheim score on his debut, it is amazing,” said assistant coach Merron Gordon. “That is the type of thing we want to see, the transition from schoolboy football to international football and he acquitted himself well.”
The hosts were the first to threaten with a long-range shot from Kaihim Thomas, that goalkeeper Kemar Foster tipped over for a corner.
Dixon and Alex Marshall were Jamaica’s most influential players, and Marshall created the first real chance but saw his shot turned away for a corner.
Marshall, then found Dixon at the back post but the winger could not keep his effort on target.
Trinidad came close again after 23 minutes but Justin Obikwu’s header was not powerful enough to trouble Kemar Foster in goal.
The home team gradually got better and Thomas came close with a deflected freekick, while Obikwu had a header just wide.
Late in the half Jamaica lost control of the game and Trinidad ended stronger before the break and looked more threatening in attack.
However, after a cagey start to the second half, Dixon broke the deadlock. After controlling an excellent through ball from Romeo Guthrie, he dismissed a defender and hit a shot off the goalkeeper for the opener.
Suelae McCalla also came close moments later, but turned his effort around the post from close range.
Dixon also had a volley just wide a minute later.
Jamaica increased their dominance, and Jason Wright had a shot blocked on the line by a defender from six yards.
In added time Devonte Campbell should have made it 2-0, after a sublime flick from Wright, but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Christopher Bigette.
Gordon said the team met its objectives on the day.
GOOD GAME
“Games like this are always tough. It was a good game. Both teams met their objectives, which was to expose these boys as much as possible and I thought we did that,” the Reggae Boyz assistant coach said.
Trinidad coach Angus Eve, said there was no disappointment, as his intention was to give his young players valuable experience.
“We want the players to get as much exposure as possible and that is why we made few changes,” he stated.