Jamaica’s senior Reggae Girlz failed to make it two in two as a flat and lukewarm performance saw them succumb to a 1-2 defeat to Paraguay in their second friendly international contest at the National Stadium last night.

Celsa Sandaoval (16th) and Ramona Martinez (35th) gave the 51st-ranked South Americans a handy victory which will do their confidence a world of good heading into next year’s intercontinental play-offs, where their quest for the maiden Fifa Women’s World Cup debut continues.

Captain Khadija “Bunny” Shaw pulled one back for the Girlz from the penalty spot in the 61st minute as the Lorne Donaldson-coached team failed to build on Thursday’s dominant showing in the opening contest, which they won 1-0.

Interestingly, it was Paraguay that was more assertive at the start as the Jamaicans were lacklustre in their approach and struggled to find rhythm both at the back and in their transition as there was a clear disconnect between the midfield and attack.

In fact, so compact was Paraguay in the middle of the park that the Jamaicans offered very little in the attacking third in the early exchanges, which was a stark contrast to their display in the opening contest at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Thursday.

Drew Spence’s 13th-minute, right-footed drive, which was turned wide by Cristina Ricalde, and Shaw’s right-footer that sailed past the upright in the 15th minute were their best efforts up front.

As such, Paraguay drew first blood on their first real attack as they capitalised on Jamaica’s shaky defending when Sandoval fired into an empty net after goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer advanced and was left stranded in no-man’s land.

That may have been the wake-up call the Girlz needed, and their response indicated as much. They started showing more attacking intent, creating a few half-chances, which, with more composure, could have pulled them level.

In the 20th minute Siobhan Wilson’s cross fell for Paige Bailey-Gayle, whose shot was charged down by a defender.

On the half-hour mark a delightful free kick in by Deneisha Blackwood fell kindly for Chantelle Swaby at the far post, but her delayed effort was squeezed out by Ricalde.

And like it was on the go-ahead goal, Paraguay relished the space given by the disorganised defence and soon doubled their lead when Sandoval picked out Ramona Martinez, who made no mistake from dead centre of the 18-yard box.

The Girlz tried to mount a comeback, but were again let down by faulty shooting as Shaw’s 42nd-minute shot from top of the 18-yard box just went wide of the left upright.

A minute later Spence found space deep in the heart of Paraguay’s box but hit her effort over the crossbar as the score remained unchanged at the break.

With a few substitutions, the Girlz looked more organised and purposeful on the resumption, and Shaw made their intentions clear with a pass in to Spence, but the latter’s hurried effort was blocked six minutes in.

However, a minute past the hour mark, Shaw pulled one back for the Girlz after new call-up Rachel Jones, who was one of the substitutes, won the Girlz a penalty when her attempted cross was handled inside the danger area.

From there the Girlz continued to press for the elusive equaliser and found a few additional openings but, again, were let down by their decision-making and finishing.

Teams:

Jamaica

Rebecca Spencer, Malikae Dayes (Tiernny Wiltshire 46th), Chantelle Swaby, Deneisha Blackwood (Tiffany Cameron 85th), Allyson Swaby, Drew Spence(Chinyelu Asher 85th), Havana Solaun (Vyan Sampson 46th), Kayla McCoy (Atlanta Primus 46th), Paige Bailey Gayle (Cheyna Matthews 59th), Siohban Wilson (Rachel Jones 59th), Khadija Shaw

Subs not used: Sydney Schneider, Liya Brooks, Satara Murray, Shania Hayles, Shaneil Buckley, Konya Plummer

Booked: Dayes (22nd), Wilson (33rd),

Paraguay

Cristina Ricalde, Ramona Martinez (Daysy Bareiro 90+4), Hilda Riveros, Maria Martinez, Camila Arrieta, Rosa Mino (Tania Riso 79th), Dulce Quintana, Lice Chamorro, Celsa Sandoval, Jessica Martinez, Fany Gauto (Fanny Godoy 62nd)

Subs not used: Alicia Bobadillo, Maria Barros, Rebecca Fernandez, Dahiana Bogarin

Booked: J Martinez (15th), R Martinez (40th), M Martinez (48th), Mino (53rd), Godoy (66th)

Referee: Natalie Simon (USA)

Assistant referees: Dee-An Foster (USA); Meghan Mullen (USA)

Fourth official: Crystal Sobers (TRI)

Match commissary: Elaine Walker-Brown