LAS VEGAS, NV(SMI-GLOBAL-SPORTS-COPA-AMERICA-USA-2024 JUNE 20-JULY 14, 2024)-Ecuador national team defeated Jamaica 3-1, in 2nd match of Group B, claiming its first 3-points and victory at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV.

Ecuador who lost its opening match against Venezuela 2-1, started the game with new line-up of new players that brought different outlook in the attack and sealed a well deserved victory over Jamaica.

The Tri (Ecuador) on its 3rd offensive attack through the left-side corner, defender Piero Hincapie in an effort to center the ball inside the 18', it deflected off Jamaica's Kasey Palmer foot landing inside the back of the net for OG, to put the Ecuadorians 1-0, at 13' mark.

With the clock winding down and 3' left in the half, midfielder Kendry Paez kicked a free kick inside the 18' intended to defender Felix Torres who headed it bouncing off Jamaica's Greg Leigh arm for a penalty shot call by the referee.

The penalty shot was executed by 17-years old, midfielder Kendry Paez who scored with a rolling left-footed to the lower right-goal post to increase the lead of 2-0, over Jamaica at the end of the half. 

Jamaica found the back of the net in the first few minutes of the second half through Michail Antonio who score on rebound-ball inside the 6-yard box with a left-footed to cut the deficit to 2-1, in favor of Ecuador at 54' mark.

With the game-clock in stoppage time, midfielder Carlos Gruezo cleared the ball from the backline to Alan Minda who ran with the ball on breakaway through the left-side field and from inside the 18' shot a lower right-footed to the opposite right goal-post to make it 3-1, at 90+1 stoppage time and secure the victory for the Ecuador.


Article Written & File Photo by Marcello Cutti II/Starlight Illustrated