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BRILLIANT BOYZ - Jamaica blank hosts Nicaragua 2-0 in Concacaf Nations League
October 11, 2024
The Reggae Boyz were a bit too good for their Central American opponents Nicaragua as they ran out 2-0 winners in last night's Concacaf Nations League A Group B encounter at the Nicaragua National Football Stadium.
The goals were scored on either side of the half-time break as an own goal by Nicaraguan defender Josue Quijano in the first half and a close-range strike from Romario Williams in the second half secured all three points.
The Reggae Boyz, despite being outshot by Nicaragua in the final match statistics, were in firm control of the game as they showed a solid defensive performance to see out their second win of the Nations League group stages.
They had started the game brightly and came close to opening the scoring in the opening 10 minutes of play.
A cross into the box from Bobby DeCordova-Reid lured goalkeeper Jason Vega off his line and allowed Williams an open header in the box from close range. However, Williams headed wide to the obvious relief of the Nicaraguan fans.
It would not last long, however, as despite growing into the game, Nicaragua conceded in the 32th minute. A series of passes out wide between Tyreek Magee and Reid saw defender Quijano turning the ball into his own net from the delivery into the box.
Nicaragua knocked on the door with a series of half chances but could not beat Andre Blake between the sticks.
With much more purpose in the second half, Jamaica doubled their lead when Williams found himself on the end of a shot from Gregory Leigh in the 69th minute.
Jamaica survived a late scare in the dying moment of the game as an acrobatic effort from a Nicaraguan attacker was parried by Blake who earned his clean sheet on the night.
The win means Jamaica sit atop Group B with seven points with Honduras in second with six points while Nicaragua remain in third with four.
The Boyz will return to the island for their second match of the October international window and will face Honduras at the National Stadium on Monday.
