Boyz beat Suriname 3-1 after turbulent 48 hours
Published:Wednesday | June 8, 2022 | 12:12 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
FORTY-EIGHT HOURS of turmoil in the national senior men’s camp translated to 90 minutes of tense moments, crucial goals and most importantly a win, to the relief of the players and the fans at the National Stadium yesterday.
The Reggae Boyz, despite haphazard preparation, did enough to defeat Suriname 3-1 in their second Concacaf Nations League game at the National Stadium last night.
Goals from Ravel Morrison in the 16th minute, Junior Flemmings in the 43rd and Jamal Lowe in the 69th overturned Yanic Wildschut’s equaliser in the 20th minute, for a win that provide catharsis after the events of the past two days.
The match was in danger of not going ahead at all, as the players demanded the resignation of Jamaica Football Federation general secretary Dalton Wint, in light of the faulty travel arrangements which saw the team arrive a day later than scheduled from Suriname after their 1-1 draw in their League A opener. The team only trained the morning of the game after Monday’s scheduled training was cancelled with the players demanding Wint’s removal.
Wint succumbed to the pressure, agreeing to hand in his resignation, although there is yet to be an announcement of an official declaration in writing.
Interim coach Paul Hall, who had reportedly contemplated resigning because of past events, made changes to the starting 11 from Saturday’s opener, which included the return of Shamar Nicholson and Morrison to the line-up. Lowe made his first appearance since October when Jamaica drew 0-0 with Canada in their World Cup qualifier.
Suriname posed an attacking threat to Jamaica from the kick-off, finding joy on the left-hand side, keeping the Reggae Boyz on their toes. But Morrison had the first chance of the game in the fourth minute, as he was allowed to roam into the final third but his shot soared over the bar.
Suriname would have the first shot on target a minute later as Wildschut stormed down the left-hand side and his low shot forced a save from Amal Knight, who continued to deputise for injured captain Andre Blake.
But the Boyz would find the breakthrough 16 minutes into the game.
From a free kick, Morrison got his shot over the wall and past goalkeeper Warner Hahn for his second international goal. It was from a similar range to the one he scored three months ago against Honduras.
LOW SHOT
The lead would not be safe though as four minutes later, Wildschut got free on the left and this time his low shot got past Knight to silence the home crowd.
A tense atmosphere in the first half eased two minutes before half-time as Morrison found Flemmings and after weaving his way into the penalty area his miscued shot trickled past Hahn to retake the lead.
The second half was more cagey, as Jamaica looked to solidify their advantage but were still prone to bursts from Suriname.
But the tide would turn in Jamaica’s favour with 21 minutes to go as good interplay saw Morrison find Nicholson who found Lowe in the penalty area. A calm finish from close range gave Jamaica a two-goal cushion.
The Reggae Boyz currently lead the table with four points, while Suriname are second with one point. Mexico are yet to open their Nations League campaign. Jamaica will play Mexico on Tuesday at the National Stadium to close out the June window.
Jamaica Starting 11: Amal Knight, Amarii Bell, Richard King (Leon Bailey 48th minute, Jamal Lowe (Rolando Aarons 75th minute), Ravel Morrison (Kaheem Paris 86th minute), Junior Flemmings, Shamar Nicholson, Damion Lowe (c), Kevon Lambert, Javain Brown, Devon Williams (Jamoi Topey 86th minute)