Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s late penalty secured a shock win for Jamaica over Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League last night as the Reggae Boyz reached the semi-finals on away goals.
The Fulham winger kept his cool from twelve yards to stun the home crowd in Toronto and set up a semi-final meeting with Panama. The Jamaicans had to survive the last six minutes of normal time with ten men after Demarai Gray was shown a second yellow card, but Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side shown plenty of spirit as well as no little quality in front of goal to clinch a place in the last four.
The visitors, who had lost a tight first leg 2-1 in Kingston, appeared to up against it when Alphonso Davies extended the Canadians’ aggregate advantage despite the best efforts of the inspired Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake. But a quickfire double from Shamar Nicholson changed the complexion of the tie and, although Ismael Kone did inch the Canadians back ahead, De Cordova-Reid’s composure after a late handball ensured Jamaica also qualify for the Copa America by virtue of reaching the semi-finals of the Nations League.
Fulham defender Luc de Fougerolles was an unused substitute for Canada.
