Guatemala turn tables on Jamaica in Gold Cup clash

Guatemala reversed their fortunes against Jamaica, as they handed the Reggae Boyz a 1-0 defeat in their Group C Concacaf Gold Cup opener at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California last night.

Oscar Santis netted the game's only goal, scoring at the 32nd minute with an assist from central striker Darwin Lom.

The Guatemalans came into the match with a losing record against the Jamaicans, with the Central Americans' most recent loss a 3-0 defeat in World Cup Qualifying at Kingston's National Stadium last Tuesday.

In a close match last night, the Jamaicans edged the possession stats with 54 per cent. However, despite making 15 finishes, their shooting was woefully off target with only two strikes on target.

Guatemala were a bit better with their finishing, getting four of 11 tries on target and, most importantly, Santis' finish that was eventually the game's only conversion.

Defeat left Jamaica third in the four team group, only ahead of Caribbean counterparts Guadeloupe, which suffered a 5-2 hammering at the hands of Panama in the opening match of the doubleheader in Carson.

Panama jumped to the early lead by virtue of a superior goal difference to Guatemala, as both have three points.

Ismael Diaz (13th, 17th) led the Panamanian charge by scoring a double that pretty much sealed up maximum points early, with a 4-1 lead by halftime.

Cristian Martinez, who opener the scoring at the sixth minute and Eduardo Guerrero at the 22nd, scored the other first half goals for Panama.

Guadeloupe halved the deficit with goals from Jordan Leborgne at the 28th and Florian David at the 71st. But Panama, with 63 per cent possession and 23 shots, were too dominant and ended up adding a fifth goal to their tally in time added for injuries, when substitute Tomas Rodriguez (90+3) scored.

Group play continues on Friday with the Reggae Boyz tackling Guadeloupe at San Jose, California in a 7:45 p.m. fixture, and Guatemala playing against Panama in Austin, Texas at 10 p.m.