No Glory for Hammers Star Michail Antonio as Reggae Boyz Thrashed

Michail Antonio’s much-anticipated debut for Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz ended in misery as the home side suffered a chastening 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Panama, in the second match of their 2022 World Cup qualifiers on Sunday night.

Playing before an empty National Stadium due to COVID-19 pandemic protocols, Jamaica fell behind to Andrés Andrade’s wonderful solo effort in the 14th minute, before finding themselves down 2-0 at half-time through Rolando Blackburn’s 39th minute header.

Cecilio Waterman heaped further frustration on the hosts when he finished off a counter-attack in the 82nd minute, leaving Jamaica with their second defeat in as many matches following their 2-1 loss to Mexico at Azteca last Thursday.

Antonio, the West Ham star who has already scored four goals in three matches in the English Premier League this season, cut a frustrated figure throughout the game and had little impact before being hooked in the 70th minute.

“We were too open tonight. It was too easy. They cut through us on numerous times,” said UK-born centre back Liam Moore, who plays for Reading in the English Championship.

- Advertisement -

“There were a lot of occasions in the game where they were four-v-four, sometimes even five-v-four and that’s something we need to sort out moving forward.

“We’ve got a long [way] to go but obviously with results like that, that won’t be possible so we need to fix it really quickly.”

He added: “There’s still faith in them (the team). We were really unlucky against Mexico not to get something. If we go back to the fundamentals that were clear for everybody to see against Mexico, it will stand us in good stead against Costa Rica [on Wednesday].”

The Reggae Boyz struggled from the outset to gain a foothold in the contest, their best chance coming when a loose ball fell to another debutant Kemar Roofe in the box, the Rangers forward putting an instinctive shot over the crossbar from close range.

With Jamaica still struggling for control, there was no surprise when they went behind on the quarter-hour mark, Andrade nicking a pass off Roofe in the centre circle before producing an unchallenged run and unleashing a low 20-yard drive to beat goalkeeper Andre Blake to his left.

The warning signs of a second goal were there when Blake saved from Jose Rodriguez from the right side of the box in the 35th minute and then snaffled Blackburn’s near point-blank header two minutes later.

And the goal finally arrived in the 39th, full back Eric Davis crossing from an advanced position down the left into the box where Blackburn out-jumped Moore, to head past Blake.

The United States-based duo of Devon Williams and Junior Flemmings were introduced following the break for the UK-based pair of Ravel Morrison and Bobby Reid, but the changes had little positive effect.

Jamaica’s best chance of pulling one back came in the 80th minute when Danien Johnson hung one up in the box from the edge of the penalty area only for goalkeeper Luis Mejía to tip Roofe’s glancing header over the bar.

Minutes later, all hope evaporated when Adalberto Carrasquilla played in Waterman during a counter-attack, the half-time substitute turning centre half Alvas Powell – a 70th minute substitute – before slipping the ball coolly past the advancing Blake’s left.

CMC

More Stories

Audrey Marks, Delano Seiveright

Senators Audrey Marks, Delano Seiveright appointed to ministerial roles

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has appointed two newly sworn-in government senators, Audrey Marks and Delano Seiveright, to ministerial positions, reinforcing his Administration’s focus...
Antigua and Barbuda says it will accept nationals deported from the US

Antigua and Barbuda seeks clarification on draft US travel ban proposal

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally sought clarification from the United States following reports that the Caribbean nation could be among the...
Andrew Holness

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness hints at election announcement ‘very soon’

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has hinted that the countdown to general elections has begun, telling supporters that “every Jamaican will be called upon...
West Indies Women cruise to victory as Dottin, Matthews deliver masterclass

West Indies Women set for high-stakes clash against Scotland in World Cup Qualifiers

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The journey to cricket’s grandest stage intensifies as the West Indies Women’s team embarks on its mission to secure...
Marco Rubio

US applauds Belize’s democratic elections, pledges continued partnership

The United States has congratulated Prime Minister John Briceño on his re-election, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Belize. In an official statement,...
Mr Justice Andrew Burgess

CCJ to host special sitting for Justice Andrew Burgess’s retirement

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will hold a Special Sitting on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, to honor the retirement of the Honourable Mr...
cocaine bust Guyanese nationals

Guyanese nationals among six arrested in massive cocaine bust off West Africa

Four Guyanese nationals are among six crew members arrested after authorities discovered 6.3 tonnes of cocaine aboard a Guyana-flagged vessel off the West African...
Ackera Nugent Jamaica

Jamaica names 24-athlete squad for World Indoor Championships for Nanjing

For the upcoming 2025 World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, Jamaica has unveiled a formidable team of 24 athletes and nine officials. The highly anticipated...
Jamaica Scorpions

Jamaica Scorpions strike late as Mindley’s fiery spell seals victory

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Marquino Mindley delivered a searing spell of fast bowling to propel the Jamaica Scorpions to a dramatic 40-run victory over...
US travel ban

Saint Lucia and St. Kitts & Nevis respond to reports of US travel ban

The governments of Saint Lucia and St. Kitts & Nevis have responded to media reports suggesting that their nations are included in a draft...

Latest Articles

Skip to content