The Reggae Boyz have been left pissed off after a dominant show resulted in a goalless draw in opposition to a resilient 10-man Cuba of their opening CONCACAF Nations League recreation contained in the Nationwide Stadium Friday evening, as wasted alternatives and heroic goalkeeping left Jamaica ruing their missed probabilities.
The Boyz registered 21 photographs to Cuba’s 4, however poor ending and a standout efficiency from Cuban goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena saved the scoreboard clean.
Jamaica started the match in commanding trend, dictating possession and urgent Cuba’s protection early on. The primary clear alternative got here within the twenty eighth minute when Michail Antonio delivered a move into the field for Jamal Lowe, whose shot was smothered by the onrushing Arozarena.
Lion’s share of possession
Dominating the primary half with the lion’s share of possession, the Reggae Boyz restricted Cuba from registering a single shot heading in the right direction. The guests have been additional deprived simply earlier than halftime when defender Yunior Perez obtained a purple card for an expert foul on Antonio, on the sting of the penalty space, lowering Cuba to 10 males.
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From the ensuing free kick, Demarai Grey, compelled Arozarena into one other effective reflex save.
With the numerical benefit, Jamaica intensified their assault after the break. Grey surged ahead on a counterattack shortly after the restart however misplaced his footing on the slippery floor, sending his shot broad of the goal. Lowe then squandered one other golden alternative, firing a cross contained in the penalty space excessive over the bar from shut vary.
Arozarena’s heroics saved Cuba within the contest as he produced three gorgeous saves in fast succession to disclaim Antonio, Grey, and Bobby Reid, irritating the Jamaican assault.
Relentless strain
Regardless of their man benefit and relentless strain, the Reggae Boyz couldn’t discover the breakthrough, because the match ended 0-0, leaving head coach Steve McClaren with a lot to ponder in his debut recreation.
Jamaica’s subsequent problem sees them touring to Honduras on Saturday forward of subsequent Tuesday’s fixture, the place they’ll be trying to flip their dominance into targets of their second CONCACAF Nations League match.
Groups: Jamaica – Andre Blake, Dexter Lembikisa, Amari’i Bell, Ethan Pinnock, Demarai Grey (Kaheim Dixon), Kasey Palmer, Michail Antonio, Bobby Reid, Joel Latibeaudiere (Norman Campbell), Damion Lowe, Jamal Lowe (Shamar Nicholson)
Booked: Damion Lowe, Campbell
Suns not used: Coniah Boyce-Clarke, Jahmali Waite, Michael Hector, DiShon Bernard, Richard King, Karoy Anderson, Jonathan Russell, Adrian Reid, Greg Leigh
Cuba – Raiko Arozarena, Karel Perez, Doriel Morejon (Elvis Casanova), Daniel Diaz (Yasnier Matos), Maykel Reyes (Diego Catasus), Onel Hernandez, Karel Espino, Yunior Perez, Rey Angel (Dairon Reyes), Alejandro Delgado, Orlando De La Cruz (Mario Penalver).
Booked: Angel, Yunior Perez (ejected), Morejon
Subs not used: Asmel Morgado, Yurdy Hodelin, Leando Mena, Michael Camejo, Aniel Casanova, Raydel Sanchez, David Perez
Referee: Filberto Martinez (El Salvador)
First Assistant: Oscar Barrera (El Salvador)
Second Assistant: David Moran (El Salvador)
Fourth Official: Ivan Barton (El Salvador)
Referee Assessor: Miguel Hernandez (Mexico)
