Concacaf Championships: U20 Boyz stage stunning late comeback to earn 2-2 draw

PUEBLA, Mexico (CMC):

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz produced a stunning late comeback to salvage a 2-2 draw against Panama in Wednesday’s Concacaf U-20 Championship Group C clash at Estadio Universitario BUAP, keeping their hopes of topping the group very much alive.

Panama looked to be cruising to victory after a rampant start. Moisés Richards broke the deadlock in the 13th minute, firing a left-footed strike from the edge of the box.

The Canaleros doubled their advantage just nine minutes later, in the 22nd, courtesy of a beautifully crafted team move finished off by Gerson Gordón.

Jamaica, however, refused to fold. The young Reggae Boyz clawed their way back into the contest in the 62nd minute when Jahmarie Nolan reduced the deficit.

Then, with virtually the last kick of the game in the sixth minute of injury time, Jaquan Brown rose highest inside the box to power home a header from a set piece, sparking wild celebrations on the Jamaican bench.

In the other Group C fixture, Canada and Honduras played out a 1-1 draw. After a goalless first half, Lucas Lima blasted Canada into the lead from outside the box in the 57th minute. Still, Honduras responded swiftly through Richard Martínez, who chipped into the left side netting in the 64th to level the scores.

The results leave Canada and Jamaica locked on four points apiece, with Canada leading the group on goal difference. Panama and Honduras sit with one point each.

The group stage concludes on Saturday, with Jamaica facing Canada in a crunch winner-takes-all encounter, while Panama takes on Honduras.