REGGAE BOYZ MAKE WINNING START IN NATIONS LEAGUE

Jamaica senior Reggae Boyz needed a Renaldo Cephas extra-time winner to beat Guatemala 3-2 in their opening group B encounter in Concacaf Nations League action.

The Reggae Boyz were playing at home for the first time since failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The familiar feeling of failure and heartbreak descended upon the national stadium as the Boyz found themselves behind as early as the 2nd minute of the game.

Oscar Santis sent the Guatemalans in front after capitalizing on Jamaica's frail defense and finishing off a counterattacking play to give the central Americans an early lead. Kasey Palmer levelled the score for the Reggae Boyz in the 37th minute capitalizing on a defensive error for his third international goal as the teams entered the break at 1 all.

Kaheim Dixon and Renaldo Cephas were introduced to the game at the resumption. They immediately lifted the tempo of play for the Reggae Boyz.

Rumarn Burrell sent the Reggae Boyz in front with his 2nd international goal in minute 53. Santis completed his brace in the 67th minute drawing the Guatemalans level.

The Boyz kept pushing for the winner and Renaldo Cephas delivered all three points to the host in minute 90+4.

Head coach Rudolph Speid was pleased with how his team managed the game, "That was pleasing because normally we don't have that amount of control. Our pass accuracy was good, about 89 percent, so I'm pleased with those aspects of the game."

Jamaica will be back in action on Monday inside the national stadium against Honduras who lost 3-2 Suriname in their opener.

In the other group B match, El Salvador beat Martinique 3-1