Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz clinched third place in the CONCACAF Nations League on Sunday with a hard-fought victory against Panama at Arlington Stadium in Virginia.
The Boyz, under the guidance of coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, secured their triumph thanks to a 41st-minute strike from Dexter Lembikisa.
Lembikisa, operating as a fullback, received a well-timed through pass from Hector near the edge of the 18-yard box before unleashing a powerful shot into the top left corner of Oscar Mosquera’s goal. The goal, Lembikisa's first for Jamaica, sparked jubilant celebrations for the Reggae Boyz, who had suffered a heartbreaking 3-1 loss in extra time against the United States in their semi-final match just days earlier.
Jamaica welcomed back Demarai Gray and Shamar Nicholson, who had missed the previous match due to suspensions. Their return provided a boost to the team's attacking prowess.
In front of a sparse crowd at Arlington Stadium, Panama initially dominated possession in the scrappy affair. However, it was Jamaica who had the best chance to score early on when Shamar Nicholson's right-footed shot on goal was deflected into his path. His subsequent left-footed strike was cleared off the line by Mosquera.
Despite Panama's early dominance, Jamaica managed to create opportunities of their own. A build-up along the left flank saw Kasey Palmer squander a chance from Gray's cross into the box.
In the second half, Jamaica came close to doubling their lead when Damion Lowe's attempted lob over the goalkeeper struck the crossbar and stayed out of the net. Lowe, once more, had an outstanding game playing in midfield for Jamaica breaking up attacks and initiating attacking plays.
As time passed, Panama launched relentless attacks against the Jamaican defense in search of an equalizer. However, the Boyz stood firm, thwarting Panama's efforts and holding on to their lead until the final whistle.
The victory secured third place for Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League, capping off their campaign with a well-deserved win against Panama.
Nashville SC v San Jose Earthquakes: ‘A win would change everything’ - Godoy
Anibal Godoy insists that Nashville are already looking at their game against San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday as a must-win.
Nashville have won just once in the MLS this season and sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference after a run of four without a win.
The Earthquakes, meanwhile, are bottom of the Western Conference having lost eight of their matches and recording just one win.
Godoy is aware of how their poor start to the season could affect their playoff hopes later down the line but is confident that Nashville can turn things around.
He said: “For us, it's an important week. It's a day we have to win, or we'll start to feel the pressure from other teams as they start to separate in the table.
“This league is long but if we want to get to the playoff you have to win games early on, especially at home.”
Liverpool agree compensation deal for Slot
Liverpool and Feyenoord have reached an agreement in principle over a compensation deal for Arne Slot to become the Reds’ manager next season, according to widespread Dutch media reports.
The Dutchman is reportedly poised to take over from Jurgen Klopp, who announced in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the campaign.
Slot led Feyenoord to their second Eredivisie title last season after taking over the club in 2021.
It is believed that he topped the list of Liverpool’s favoured candidates due to his attacking playing style and ability to develop players.
Former Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title, and Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim were also reported contenders to take over from Klopp.
Slot had already confirmed his interest in managing in the Premier League, both earlier this week and previously when he was linked to Tottenham in 2023.
QPR 4-0 Leeds United: Shock loss for Farke's men seals Leicester's promotion
QPR thrashed Leeds United 4-0 in the Championship on Friday, ensuring Leicester City booked their promotion straight back to the Premier League.
Ilias Chair was the star for the Hoops as he scored the opener and assisted two more goals to ensure QPR will stay in the Championship for another season.
Lucas Andersen, Lyndon Dykes and Sam Field also got their names on the scoresheet in an emphatic win for Marti Cifuentes' side.
Leeds' heaviest defeat of the season was a huge blow in the race for an automatic promotion spot, with Ipswich Town just one point behind them in third place with two games in hand going into their away clash against Hull City on Saturday.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
