Jamaica eyes first Copa America win against Ecuador | OneFootball

MIAMI – Jamaica meets Ecuador in the second matchday of Group B at the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America on Wednesday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Reggae Boyz lost their first match of the tournament, 1-nil, against fellow Concacaf nation Mexico last Saturday in Houston. Goalkeeper Jahmali Waite stood out with eight saves in the match.

Dexter Lembikisa had some of the best chances of the day against Mexico, including a last-gasp attempt in second-half stoppage time. Michail Antonio and Kasey Palmer also stood out offensively despite the defeat.

Michael Hector broke new ground by taking sole possession of the record for most appearances in the tournament by a Jamaican player. He can extend that record by playing against Ecuador.

Jamaica continues searching for its first goal, first point, and first victory in three appearances at the Copa America. A victory would keep the team in the hunt for one of the top two spots, which would lead the team to its first appearance in the knockout stage.

Under head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, Jamaica looks to reclaim its winning form in 2024. Before the loss against Mexico, Jamaica was riding a three-match winning streak.

The Ecuador men’s national team lost 2-1 to Venezuela on Saturday in Santa Clara, California. The team was reduced to ten men in the 22’ due to a red card to Enner Valencia, who will be out serving his suspension.

Jeremy Sarmiento scored the opening goal of the encounter in the 40th minute, despite the man advantage, before Venezuela made a comeback in the second half. Sarmiento, 22, is one of the young players to watch for La Tri.

Moises Caicedo and Piero Hincapie are other 22-year-olds who stand out among the call-up sheet from head coach Felix Sanchez. The Spanish manager led Qatar to semifinal and quarterfinal appearances at the 2021 and 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, respectively.

Andres Micolta, who recently helped Pachuca to the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, could make his first appearance in the campaign. Ecuador also boasts another former CCC winner in Angel Mena, who was part of Club Leon’s championship squad in 2023.

This will be their first encounter in the Copa America. They have met in international friendlies, with the last one being in 2018 (September 8), where Ecuador won 2-0 with goals by Enner Valencia (17’) and Renato Ibarra (50’).

*Jamaica has not yet been able to win a match against Ecuador.

All-Time series: 4 matches

0 wins for Jamaica

1 draw

3 wins for Ecuador

3 goals for Jamaica

9 goals for Ecuador