Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz beat Panama 1-0 in the first of their two friendly internationals played at Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City on Friday.

Shania Hayles maintained her good scoring run for Jamaica when she scored a free kick in the 25th minute, her fourth goal in national colours, three in this calendar year.

Jamaica dominated the game in the first half and came close to scoring on a few occasions, the first chance coming in the eighth minute when Kayla McKenna swiveled on the top of the six-yard box but fired just wide of the left post.

Jamaica took the lead when they were awarded a free kick from about 22 yards out and Hayles found the far left corner of the goal, beating goalkeeper Yenith Bailey.

Jody Brown just missed doubling the lead in the 50th minute when her shot hit the left upright on its way out.

A few minutes later, Kameron Simmonds’ shot was saved by Bailey.

Panama tried to rally in the second half and should have equalised in the 87th minute but for a brilliant save by goalkeeper Liya Brooks who went full stretch to her left to turn a header from Katherine Castillo for a corner.
-Paul A Reid