Reggae Boyz stun Mexico 3-2 in Nations League quarterfinal first-leg
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz pulled off a 3-2 upset victory over Mexico in their first-leg Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal, despite almost surrendering a commanding three-goal advantage in Kingston on Saturday.
Having established what appeared to be an unassailable lead, the Boyz were left clinging desperately to their advantage as El Tri mounted a late fightback, scoring twice to set up a nervy finish.
Jamaica went into the lead in the 28th minute when a period of sustained pressure led to an own goal off a corner.
Renaldo Cephas doubled the advantage at the start of the second half with a beautiful solo effort that saw him curl the ball into the net after a cut back that left his defender for dead.
Richard King scored a 63d minute penalty after Kaheim Dixon was judged to be fouled in the box following a lengthy VAR review, opening up what appeared to be an insurmountable lead for the Boyz at home.
However, the Mexicans charged back and reduced the deficit in the 70th minute through a Gilberta Mora strike from outside the 18-yard box.
Julian Quinones then converted a penalty in the 81st minute to set up the nervy ending.
However, the Reggae Boyz held on to clinch a memorable victory and set up an intriguing second leg in Mexico.
