Jamaica defeated Cuba 4-2 in their Group G opener of the Concacaf Under-17 Men’s Championship in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on Sunday.

The junior Reggae Boyz are campaigning to qualify for their third-ever FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup. The 2023 edition is to be held in Peru from November 10 to December 2.

Merron Gordon’s Boyz, wearing their new Adidas gear for the first time, had control for the majority of the game and made the dominance count with Jahmani Bell scoring in the 22nd minute.

Cuba thought they pulled level soon after, but their goal was ruled offside.

Jamaica started the second half as brightly as they did the first and doubled the lead in minute 56 through Orane Watson.

Two-nil became 3-0 14 minutes later, with Ashton Gordon netting his first of the campaign. Watson got his second in the 75th minute.

Jamaica’s momentum slowed thereafter and Cuba capitalised on seemingly weary legs. Didier Reinoso got two goals for the Cubans in minutes 78 and 89.

Curaçao, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago all lost their opening matches on Saturday.

Defending champions Mexico pounded Curacao 9-0, United States brushed aside Barbados 5-0, and Trinidad and Tobago went down 2-3 to Canada.

Jamaica will next be in action on Tuesday against Guadeloupe. A win would guarantee the Boyz progression to the next round.