Jamaica Beats Canada 3-2 In Dramatic Fashion To Qualify For COPA America
The Reggae Boyz was looking for a historic performance to overturn a 2-1 first-leg scoreline in their effort to book a spot in next year’s edition of the COPA America as they faced the Canadians in a much harsher weather compared to the first leg In Kingston.
Jamaica seemed to have folded by the cold weather as they looked lethargic and off pace as the Canadians dominated the encounter early on in the first half.
Canadian and Bayern Munich superstar Alphonso Davis capitalised on his team dominance by grabbing a goal in the 25th minute to give the home team a comfortable 3-1 lead on aggregate. The Canadians could have easily extended their lead if it was not for some brilliant save from Andre Blake.
Under-fire winger Leon Bailey again missed an opportunity to draw his team level after Gray picked him out unmarked in the box, but his tame effort failed to trouble the Canadian goalkeeper. Gray was the only attacking bright spark early on for the Jamaicans, as he once again picked out a fabulous cross to Nicholson, who missed the ball completely.
Having the advantage from the first half, Canada started the second half on a slow pace, which saw the Jamaicans getting a few openings. Leon Bailey was presented with another glorious chance, but his effort cannoned off the crossbar and bounced on the goal line.
Nicholson made up for his missed chance from the first half by producing a rocket of a finish to draw the Reggae Boyz level on the night in minute 66. Only three minutes later, Nicholson was again on the scoresheet by latching onto Gray’s pass to pull the Reggae Boyz level on aggregate 3-3.
However, shortly after Nicholson’s strike, the Canadians hit back through Kone with a glancing header to beat Blake to give Canada a 4-3 lead on aggregate. In a truly dramatic end-to-end affair, the Reggae Boyz regain the lead through a Bobbie Reid 78th-minute penalty following a handball by a Canadian defender.
Despite Gray losing his head late on in the encounter, which saw him receiving a red card, the Reggae Boyz held on for a famous and first-ever victory on Canadian soil.
Watch the goals and highlights below:
RELATED: Reggae Boyz Beat Grenada 4-1
