SAO PAULO, Brazil — Jamaica’s Under-17 footballers gained their first positive result on tour after battling from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Paulinia FC Under-18s yesterday.

The Jamaicans, who had lost their previous three matches while conceding 12 goals, were three goals down after just 23 minutes, but showed tremendous fighting spirit to rally for draw.

Paulinia FC, a relatively young club in Sao Paulo which was formed six years ago and went professional in 2008, tore into Jamaica’s backline from the onset.

Ceara grabbed a brace in the 19th and 20th minutes and Para in the 23rd to give Paulinia a three-goal cushion at the half.

Wolmer’s student Jason Wright replied with a double strike, in the 54th and 76th minutes, for his third goal on tour, before Kingston College’s Romario Williams levelled the score with a brilliant volley in the 84th minute to finally bring smiles to the faces of the Jamaicans.

Head coach Wendell Downswell, who had a spring in his steps after the game, said the Young Reggae Boyz fought gallantly in humid conditions.

Said Downswell: “We made some mistakes for five minutes and playing against a quality team, they exploited that. We made some tactical move and it paid off.”

He added: “The exercise was a good one for us, especially playing our fourth game. The youngsters showed tenacity, character and tactical discipline. We’re having more outdoor sessions and they are beginning to express themselves, showing their true colours.

“Most of them were having exams before coming here, so there were a bit rusty, so we didn’t pay too much to

the results in the first few games,” explained Downswell.

“These are positive times and I’m happy we got another three weeks to really start the tactical work and based on their display today, I’m really satisfied and it’s excellent for their mindset,” he noted.

Paulinia’s coach Filho Elio, when quizzed as to the weaknesses of Jamaica’s team, said there is a big hole between the defence and the first line of the defensive midfield and it made it easy for his offensive midfielders to work.

Jamaica, having lost 3-2 against Saltense; 4-0 to Uniao and 5-1 against Desportivo Brasil, again started

shakily and were punished by the slick-moving Brazilians.

But the Jamaicans held their own until the 19th minute when, within a four-minute spell, they were 3-0 down as the defence was split open time and time again, especially down their right side.

Paulinia coach Elio substituted several of his starting players at the interval, and that allowed Jamaica back in the game.

Wright benefitted from good work from captain Omar Holness and Jevani Brown and slotted home his first, then grabbed his second by poking home from close range after his initial shot was mishandled by the goalkeeper.

But Williams scored the goal of the tour so far — a spectacular volley from just inside the box from an Oshane Jenkins’ cross.

It was a goal worthy of winning any match and it even had a few Brazilian scouts applauding the brilliant strike.