Boyz exit Concacaf tourney after conceding 15 goals in three defeats
Published:Saturday | July 27, 2024 | 12:09 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Any hopes Jamaica’s under-20 Reggae Boyz had of making the Youth World Cup in Chile next year went up in smoke in Mexico yesterday.
They crashed out of the Concacaf Under 20 Championship without a win, a point or a goal, after losing their final Group A game to Cuba at the Estadio Leon in Mexico.
The Jamaicans, who conceded 15 goals in three matches, went into the game with a glimmer of hope of taking the three points and qualifying for the playoffs as one of two third place qualifiers. However, Michael Camejo Odeja (35th) and David Perez (42nd) destroyed those hopes with two first-half goals before Karel Mendoza sealed a 3-0 win for the Cubans.
By virtue of their win over the Reggae Boyz, Cuba (four points) are assured a quarterfinal spot as one of the best third-place teams.
After an even start to the game, Jamaica had the first real chance but Nahshon Bolt headed over from a corner.
The Cubans’ best effort came after 27 minutes but goalkeeper Joshua Grant was well placed to hold a well-taken shot from the edge of the area.
Cuba took the lead in the 36th minute, moments after the Jamaicans had a strong shout for a penalty. Odeja made room for himself in the box before slotting past goalkeeper Grant in goal.
Cuba grew in confidence towards the end of the half and David Perez made it 2-0 when Grant slammed the ball against his own defender in an attempt to clear, which presented Perez with a gift, which he duly accepted.
Adrian Reid came close to getting a goal for Jamaica with a free kick in the 45th minute, but his brilliant effort was parried for a corner.
The young Reggae Boyz played with a lot more purpose after the break but neither team created any real chances until late in the half when a delightful pass was played in at the back post but the ball eluded three Jamaican players who were looking to capitalise.
Cuba sealed the win three minutes from time when they were awarded a penalty, and Mendoza slotted home to make it 3-0.