Photo: Jamaican striker Giles Barnes holds off the challenge of Nicaraguan defender Carlos Rodriguez in their World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica last night. Jamaica slumped to a shock 3-2 defeat to the visitors.
The Reggae Boyz were stunned in their own backyard and fans left fuming on Friday night after Jamaica was beaten 3-2 by minnows Nicaragua as the quest for qualification to the World Cup in Russia in 2018 began in earnest. Two early first half goals by captain Manuel Rosas in the 4th minute from the penalty spot and Carlos Rodriques six minutes later and an early second half strike from Manuel Molina was enough to ensure Nicaragua head home with their noses in front. Striker Darren Mattocks and defender Adrian Marriappa gave the Jamaicans a glimmer of hope going into the second leg on Tuesday in Nicaragua.
The Reggae Boyz fell asleep at “The Office” and gave the Nicaraguan team the luxury of invading their “office” space. The Reggae Boyz lukewarm start saw Kemar ‘taxi’ Lawrence handle the ball in the box from a wayward cross from a Nicaraguan midfielder. Captain Rosas took the responsibility on his shoulders and struck the resulting penalty firmly to the right of goalkeeper Andre Blake, for a shock 1-0 lead in the 4th minute.
The partially filled stadium was dumb struck, the silence was deafening. Moments later Chelsea’s new boy Micheal Hector’s super calmness played to his detriment and work handsomely in the favour of the visitors. Hector lost the ball at the edge of the center circle leaving Lawrence out of position. Norfran Adan picked out Carlos Rodriquez with a peach of a pass. He then powered to the top of the box and unleashed a thunderbolt to the right of Blake, the ball kissed off the inside of the upright before curling into the back of net.
The Reggae Boyz finally woke up and got into the game making some nice passes and maintaining possession. They almost got on the score sheet when Demar ‘Peelhead’ Phillips, who was quite effective on the left side, whipped one in to Rodolph Austin, but his effort went agonizingly wide.
Jamaica continued to press forward while maintaining the lion’s share of the ball possession but had nothing to show for it. The “White And Blues” hardly touched the ball but we’re comfortable after two shot on target and two goals. In minute 16 Phillips provided an even better opportunity with another telling cross from the left , which found an unmarked Simon Dawkins at the back post, but his effort sky rocketed over the bar. Jamaica got stronger as the half progressed but they couldn’t manage to pull a goal back.
On the resumption the lethargic Reggae Boyz were found napping again Hector again at fault giving up possession in the crucial defensive third. Angel Figueroa slipped past Marriappa leaving him on his backside, before cutting back a slick pass to Manuel Molina, who could tie his lace before scoring in an empty net. With a handsome 3-0 lead the visitors were on cloud nine at this stage as they gathered and danced in front of their handful of supporters.
They home supporters began booing central defender Michael Hector, who had a miserable night. Not only did he give up two goals but he blocked a ferocious strike by Austin which was destined for goal and the lanky defender got the last chance to tie the game at the death but was rather clumsy with the ball.
Coach Winifred Schaefer made two changes which didn’t go down well with the crowd, however Deshawn Brown added some much needed life to the game. Darren Mattocks, moments later, laced up his dancing shoes and danced beautifully around the last defender before caressing the ball into the back of the net in the 68 minute to make it 3-1. Ten minutes later Marriappa cut the deficit to within one when he powered home from a melee, 3-2 and game on!
The goals brought some cheers and the Boyz got close to equalizing but goalkeeper Carlos Lorente was at his optimum best, to protect their lead heading home for the second leg.
The Reggae Boyz now have it all to do in the second-leg away tie in Managua, in the qualifying series for the 2018 World Cup Final in Russia. The winners on aggregate will advance to the 12-team CONCACAF semi-final group stage.
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