Jamaica qualify for Concacaf U-20

Jamaica Under-20 Reggae Boyz secured their place in the Concacaf Under-20 Championship after beating Bermuda 3-2 in their final Group F qualifying game to top the points standing, with a maximum of nine points at St Kitts and Nevis FA Technical Centre yesterday.

Robinho Gordon got the young Boyz off to an early start, opening the scoring after just two minutes of play.

The Reggae Boyz continued to push forward and were rewarded with a second goal in the 11th minute through Fabian Reynolds' strike.

Jamaica pressed their opponents high up the pitch, with success. They controlled possession and had good opportunities with Tyrese Gowe, and Reynolds should have done better.

Four minutes from the break, the young Reggae Boyz had a great chance to add to their lead, but Romaine Blake scuffed his effort from the penalty spot after Reynolds was brought down inside the area.

The Bermudians came back into the match right after the break, with Xahvi Dezora pulling a goal back in the 50th minute.

Six minutes later, they were on even terms when they were awarded a penalty, and Hayden Dill converted expertly to make the score 2-2.

Jamaica piled on the pressure in search of the winner, and Denzil McKenzie forced a good save from a header while Gordon hit the bar with a long-range effort.

However, Ashton Gordon rescued all three points for the Jamaicans with a stunning strike in the 83rd minute.

They also had at least three other chances to extend their lead but failed to capitalise on those opportunities.

Jamaica finished atop the group with nine points, followed by Martinique with four, Bermuda with three and Grenada with one.

Nicaragua, Canada and Haiti also secured their place at the championship. Group C and B are still to be decided.

The Concacaf Under-20 Championship takes place in Mexico from July 19-August 4.