The U-20 Reggae Boyz kicked off their CONCACAF U-20 Journey on a winning note following a valiant 2-1 win over Honduras in their Group C opener in PUEBLA, Mexico, on Sunday night.
Goals from Jahmarie Nolan and Brandon Bent made the difference for Jamaica, which is seeking to stamp its authority as a top nation in the confederation.
The Boyz, who qualified for the age group World Cup unbeaten, carried over that assertiveness from the start, which paid dividends as early as the 22nd minute as Nolan showed pace to outsprint his marker down the right flank to power inside the box before floating his shot across the area, catching the Honduran keeper flatfooted as the ball bonced into the goal to make it 1-0.
A moment of individual skill by Honduras’ Nicolás Balbás at the top box created just enough opening for a through pass into the area for Victor Salazar to slot home the eqalizer in the 76th minute following a rare defensive error by the Jamicans.
The Caribbean kingpins, however, showed an unwillingness to settle, which eventually bore fruit in the dying moments as Bent Leapt highest to meet an inswinger corner in the 95th minute to deliver a game-winning header and secure all the points for the Jamaicans as the game ended 2-1.
The result sees Jamaica go second in the group on goal difference behind Canada, who beat Panama 3-0 in their opening fixture. A result Jamaicans will be looking into as they face the Panamanians in their next encounter on July 29.
