Lembikisa wonder strike lifts Reggae Boyz over Panama to claim third
KINGSTON, Jamaica— Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz clinched third place in the Concacaf Nations League after edging Panama 1-0 in the consolation play-offs on Sunday at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
A brilliant first half strike from Dexter Lembikisa was the difference as the Reggae Boyz achieved their best finish in the Nations League.
It was also a great response after Thursday’s crushing 3-1 loss to the USA in the semi-finals at the same venue, after the Jamaicans led for more than 90 minutes after Gregory Leigh’s goal in the first minute.
On Sunday, the 20-year-old Lembikisa who plays for Scottish Premiership club Heart of Midlothian, on loan from Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers lined up a left footer that he stroked past Panama goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera right hand high into the goal from some 25 yards out in the 41st minute.
The Reggae Boyz will now turn their attention to the Copa America where they have been drawn against Mexico, Ecuador and Venezuela in the first round.
-Paul A Reid