MEXICO CITY – Sean Leighton scored another late equaliser for Jamaica to earn them a hard fought 2-2 draw with Canada in their final preliminary game in the Concacaf Under-20 Championship in Mexico on Saturday.
Leighton scored from the penalty spot in the 12th minute of time added, to ensure that both Canada and Jamaica finished Group C on five points from their three matches.
While Canada topped the group on goal difference, the two sides will meet again in the quarterfinals.
Jahmarie Nolan, who is based in Canada, gave Jamaica the lead in the 21st minute, tapping home from close range after Brandon Bent’s low cross from the left.
Jamone Lyle then missed a chance to double Jamaica’s lead in the 35th minute when he shot wide with only goalkeeper Nathaniel Abraham to beat.
Canada drew level early in the second half in the 56th minute when Valter Sedin’s shot from just inside the penalty area took a deflection off a Jamaican defender and beat goalkeeper Joshua Grant.
The Canadians went ahead in the 80th minute after Marius Aiyenero converted a penalty and looked to have done enough to hold on for the win, but Leighton’s late strike ensured Jamaica received a share of the spoils.
CMC
