Boyz advance to Nations League quarter-finals

The Reggae Boyz’ 1-1 draw with Honduras at the Chelato Ucles National Stadium last night was enough to secure the team’s place in the 2026 Concacaf Nations League quarter-finals, as they finish second in Group B.

Jamaica secured an important point in their final group game of League A with a wonder strike from Tyreece Campbell in the 27th minute.

Honduras responded with a wonder strike of their own in the 51st minute through Luis Palma to pull level.

With the result, Jamaica finished second in the group with seven points behind leaders Guatemala, who also finished on seven points.

Suriname placed third in the group, also on seven points, but Jamaica held the advantage with a better goal difference.

The draw also meant Honduras avoided relegation from League A as they finished on four points, with Martinique and El Salvador, both on four points, suffering relegation to League B.

The first half was a battle of tactics as the Hondurans dominated possession while Jamaica proved dangerous on the counterattack.

The hosts started strong and had a few half-chances at goal stymied by Jamaican captain and custodian Andre Blake.

Jamaica steadily came into the game and went close to scoring when Kyle Ming played a dangerous ball across the face of the goal, but it was just out of reach of Javon East.

They eventually found the breakthrough in the 27th minute when Campbell, picking up the ball wide, dribbled inside before letting loose a low curling effort that struck the far post and ricocheted into the net.

The goal was also Campbell’s first international goal for Jamaica in his 12th appearance.

Jamaica had a prime opportunity to double their lead five minutes later when East burst through free on goal, but while he got the better of goalkeeper Edrick Menjívar, he missed the target.

Honduras did not lay down and went searching for the equaliser in the second half.

Their pressure paid off when Palma let loose a rocket from range that had Blake beaten for pace, to pull the Hondurans level.

With the goal, the Hondurans continued to press, with the Boyz soaking up the pressure while looking to strike on the counter.

Ronaldo Webster had a chance at goal for Jamaica in the 80th minute when he danced past his marker, but could not get the right connection on his shot to beat Menjívar between the sticks.

By virtue of finishing second in the group, Jamaica will face off against Mexico in the two-legged quarter-finals set for November.

The winner of the quarter-finals will automatically qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup, with the loser of the contest going onto the Gold Cup Qualifiers.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com