(Toronto) Jamaica defeated Canada 3-2 thanks to a controversial late penalty shot on Tuesday, and a 4-4 aggregate draw in favor of the ‘Reggae Boyz’ allowed them to advance to the semi-finals of the Concacaf Nations League.
Goals scored away from home gave victory to Jamaica, who booked their ticket to the Copa America as a guest team. Canada will have to win a knockout tournament in March to join this South American competition.
Canadians, 45are in the world, entered the return match at BMO Field with a 2-1 lead after the first meeting on Saturday in Kingston, Jamaica.
Ismaël Koné scored in the 69the minute to give Canada the lead after the Jamaicans, 55are in the world, had tied the cumulative score with goals from Shamar Nicholson in the 63e and 66e minutes.
Alphonso Davies had previously increased the Canadian lead to 3-1 in the 25the minute.
Mexican referee Cesar Ramos then pointed to the penalty spot in the 75the minute when the ball hit Stephen Eustaquio’s arm. The decision seemed harsh, as the midfielder tried to keep his arm close to his body to avoid contact.
The decision was confirmed with video review, and Bobby Reid hit the target in the 78the minute.
Seven minutes later, Jamaican Demarai Gray was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. The Jamaicans, however, resisted the nine minutes of added time.
Jamaica’s defense struggled to contain Canada’s strike force, with Davies, Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan. However, the Caribbean country’s attack found its feet in the second half.
Canada will join the other countries eliminated in the quarterfinals of this Nations League in March, with the last two invitations to the Copa America at stake.