Jamaica’s Leon Bailey (left) and Guatemala’s Carlos Aguilar during the Concacaf World Cup Qualifier at the National Stadium on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.Joseph Wellington
June 17, 2025
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz made a losing start to the Concacaf Gold Cup after they were upset 1-0 by Guatemala in their Group C opener played at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California on Monday.
Guatemala, who made nine changes to the team that were beaten 3-0 by Jamaica in their World Cup qualifier in Kingston a week ago, beat Jamaica for the first time in the Gold Cup and the first time in 13 years.
Oscar Santis scored the winner in the first half as Guatemala stifled the Jamaican offense.
READ: Reggae Boyz cruise past Guatemala in W’Cup Qualifier
With the Guatemalans shutting down wingers Leon Bailey and Renaldo Cephas, the Jamaican attack stalled and it was not until late in the game, after a number of substitutions, that the Reggae Boyz managed to force the defence back into their own area.
After having a goal ruled out for offside in the 18th minute, Guatemala took the lead in the 32nd minute when Santis combined with Darwin Lom who back heeled the ball to Santis who gave goalkeeper Andre Blake no chance from close range.
Blake kept the deficit at one when he went full stretch to his right in the 70th minute to tip a diving header for a corner.
Ethan Pinnock had a chance to at least earn a point for the Reggae Boyz in stoppage time but he headed a cross from Dexter Lembikisa just over the cross bar.