Reggae Boyz Seek First Copa America Win Against Mexico
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Jamaica is set to face Mexico in their first match of the 2024 Copa America tournament at 8 PM Jamaica time on Saturday, June 22, at the NRG Stadium. For Heimir Hallgrimsson’s Jamaica, this match presents an opportunity to make history as they compete in Group B, alongside Mexico, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
The Reggae Boyz enters this game with momentum, having secured three consecutive wins in friendlies against Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Dominica. On the other hand, Mexico lost most of their recent matches heading into the tournament.
The Jamaica men’s national football team aims to secure their first victory over Mexico since a friendly match in July 2017. Recent history favours Mexico, who have triumphed in three of their last five encounters, including a 3-0 win in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July 2023.
On Friday, The Jamaica Football Federation shared scenes from training in Houston ahead of Saturday’s match. A post with forward Michail Antonio had the caption, “Rainy preparations for Micky and the Reggae Boyz 🇯🇲”.
See some more scenes from training earlier in the week below:
Competing in the Copa America finals for just the third time, Jamaica Boyz is eager to start their Group B campaign with a win. Despite their lack of victories in the tournament’s history and not being able to secure a point in the past, the Reggae Boyz are optimistic about their chances, bolstered by a formidable attacking lineup.
Mexico, on the other hand, has a storied history in the Copa America. Their best performance came in 1993 when they finished as runners-up to Argentina. They have also reached the semi-finals on three occasions, in 1997, 1999, and 2007. As favourites to win on Saturday, Mexico’s experience and past successes give them an edge, but Jamaica’s recent form and attacking prowess make them a formidable opponent.
Argentina defeated Canada 2-0 in the opening game of the tournament. Argentina, the defending champions, are on a quest for back-to-back titles.
Jamaica’s Predicted Starting 11 vs Mexico
This is our predicted line-up that Jamaica will send out against Mexico on Saturday, June 22.
GK: Jahmali Waite, DF: Dexter Lembikisa, Di’Shon Bernard, Ethan Pinnock, Greg Leigh, MD: Damion Lowe, Kevon Lambert FW: Bobby Reid, Shamar Nicholson, Renaldo Cephas and Demarai Gray.
The 26-man squad named includes goalkeepers Shaquan Davis, Andre Blake, Coniah Boyce-Clarke, and Jahmali Waite, along with defenders Dexter Lembikisa, Di’Shon Bernard, Greg Leigh, Damion Lowe, Michael Hector, Richard King, Ethan Pinnock, Wesley Harding, Amari’i Bell and Jon Bell.
The team’s midfielders will feature Kasey Palmer, Karoy Anderson, Bobby Reid, Alex Marshall, Joel Latibeadiere, and Kevon Lambert.
The attackers include Shamar Nicholson, Renaldo Cephas, Michail Antonio, Demarai Gray and Kaheim Dixon.
See the Group B table with Jamaica below:
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