Leighton gives U-20 Boyz big draw with Canada
Jamaica scored deep into time added for the third straight game to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw with Canada in their final Concacaf Under-20 Championship Group C match at Estadio Universitario BUAP in Puebla, Mexico, on Saturday.
Sean Leighton’s penalty in the 12th minute of time added earned Jamaica a point as both teams finished the group stage with five points. Canada topped the group on goal difference, setting up a quarter-final rematch between the teams.
Jamaica had also scored late goals to beat Honduras 2-1 in their opening match and rally from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Panama.
With both teams already through to the quarter-finals after winning their opening two matches, they produced an entertaining contest that featured late penalties at both ends.
Canada-based Jahmarie Nolan gave Jamaica the lead in the 21st minute, tapping home from close range after Brandon Bent’s low cross from the left.
The move started with a long pass from Santana Headley out of Jamaica’s defensive third that released Bent down the wing.
Jamone Lyle missed a chance to double Jamaica’s lead in the 35th minute when he shot wide with only goalkeeper Nathaniel Abraham to beat.
Canada equalised in the 56th minute when Valter Sedin’s shot from just inside the penalty area took a deflection off a Jamaican defender and beat goalkeeper Joshua Grant.
The Canadians went ahead in the 80th minute after Marius Aiyenero converted a penalty awarded when Kimarly Scott handled a cross inside the penalty area.
Jamaica refused to surrender and were awarded a penalty of their own when Anyole Peter handled the ball while attempting to block a shot.
After a lengthy delay, substitute Sean Leighton calmly drove his penalty past Abraham in the 12th minute of time added to preserve Jamaica’s unbeaten record.