Canada take first leg of Play-In against Jamaica

Kingston, Jamaica – The first leg of the Concacaf Olympic Play-In for Paris 2024 and direct qualification for the 2024 W Gold Cup between Jamaica and Canada took place on Friday evening at Independence Park in Kingston, Jamaica, with the current Olympic Champions from Canada downing the Reggae Girlz 2-0. 

The first goal came in the 18’ from a header by FW Nichelle Prince, her 14th international goal, as she managed to beat GK Rebecca Spencer, putting the ball in the bottom left corner after a great cross from DF Ashley Lawrence.

FW Cheyna Matthews nearly made the most of a lost ball in the 34’, giving herself a chance, only to see her shot blocked by DF Vanessa Gilles.

Canada almost finished the first half with a second from a corner kick in the 41’, but Jamaica captain Khadija Shaw cleared the ball.

FW Adriana Leon, who celebrated her 100th cap, almost scored the second goal for Canada in the 47’ from a corner kick, the ball hitting the post. 

Spencer denied Leon again in the 57’, as Canada created danger in the area from open play, the GK being the key player of the match for the hosts. 

Another chance for Jamaica came in the 79’ from a corner kick, with Shaw ready to win the ball in the air. However, GK Kailen Sheridan blocked her headed attempt.

Leon finally found a way past Spencer in the 90+3’, doubling Canada’s lead, firing in a volley off a cross by DF Gabrielle Carle, taking the advantage home for the second and final leg.

The second and final leg of this qualifier will be played on Tuesday at the BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, in which the winner will take the last spot for Paris 2024 and qualify for the first W Gold Cup.