Michael Hector of Jamaica looks dejected following the team's defeat during the CONMEBOL Copa America 2024 Group B match between Mexico and Jamaica at NRG Stadium on June 22, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo: AFP)
June 22, 2024
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz were edged 1-0 by Mexico in their opening Copa America Group B game at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Saturday.
Left wingback Gerardo Arteaga powered home the winner in the 69th minute after the Jamaicans had a Michail Antonio goal – which would have been their first-ever goal in the tournament ruled out for offside.
After a slow start, the Jamaicans came into their own in the first half and created a few good scoring chances, the best a deflected shot from Antonio that was saved by the Mexican goalkeeper, Julio Gonzales.
Jamaica’s custodian Jamali Waite was called on a few times but was equal to the task, going low to his right to make a save early, coming to the edge of his 18-yard box to head a high ball away and then making a save late in the half.
In the second half, Jamaica stepped up their tempo and matched Mexico who was forced to substitute captain and centreback Edson Alvarez after he suffered a thigh injury midway the first half.
Jamaica thought they had taken the lead in the 50th minute but Antonio’s headed goal was ruled to have been offside.
Waite, who was having an outstanding game, had no response to a rasping shot from the top of the 18-yard box from Arteaga.
Dexter Lembikisa came close to earning a point late in the game but his low hard shot was just kept out by Gonzales.
-Paul A Reid