Ecuador bolstered their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds of the Copa America by defeating Jamaica 3-1 in their Group B clash in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
Following their loss to Venezuela in the tournament opener on Saturday, Ecuador managed to fend off a spirited second-half comeback by the Reggae Boyz to secure a crucial three points at the Allegiant Stadium.
The South Americans seemed set for a comfortable victory after taking a 2-0 lead, thanks to a Kasey Palmer own goal and a penalty from rising star Kendry Paez, who is set to join Chelsea.
However, Jamaica responded with a goal from veteran striker Michail Antonio early in the second half and had a strong penalty claim rejected 15 minutes before full-time.
Ecuador sealed the win in stoppage time with a breakaway goal from Alan Minda as Jamaica pushed for an equalizer.
The defeat leaves Jamaica at the bottom of Group B with no points after two games and facing potential elimination later on Thursday, depending on the outcome of Venezuela’s match against Mexico.
Ecuador opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a freak own goal, as Pierre Hincapie’s cross deflected off Palmer and looped into the net.
Ecuador doubled their lead just before halftime from the penalty spot after defender Greg Leigh blocked a header with his arm. Following a lengthy VAR review, Chilean referee Cristian Garay awarded the penalty, which 17-year-old Paez calmly converted.
Jamaica fought back in the second half, with Antonio scoring on 54 minutes after Ecuador failed to clear a corner. They thought they had been handed a lifeline 15 minutes from time when a VAR check suggested a handball by Ecuador’s Alan Franco. However, after reviewing the incident, referee Garay decided there was no handball and play continued.
Minda’s late goal then sealed the victory for Ecuador.
