Reggae Boyz suffered another loss in the world cup qualifiers as they were defeated by a high spirited Panamanian team at home.
Things began brightly for the Reggae Boyz as they came out on the front foot and created several opportunities which were wasted, Panama then took control of the game and took the lead through Gabriel Torres in the 28th minute, after latching unto a beautiful through pass which he hammered home past the helpless Jamaican custodian. The score was 1-0 to the Panamanians heading into the interval.
Second half commenced with an early subsitution by the Jamaican coach, Schaefer, who introduced veteran midfielder Rudolph Austin. However, Panama continued to dominate the proceedings in spells, having to press for an equalizier the Jamaicans left gaps while going forward and were made to pay in the 90th minute when Arroyo netted Panamas second.
The Reggae Boyz have now officially been eliminated from the qualifiers and the Road to Russia dreams are over.
By Oral McNamee
