Ecuador triumph 3-1 over Jamaica in Copa America thriller; Kendry Páez score

17-year-old Kendry Páez scores crucial penalty.

After opening-game defeats, both Ecuador and Jamaica faced each other in a crucial Group B encounter at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, hoping to avoid early elimination from the tournament.

Ecuador started the match on the front foot, their relentless offensive pressure putting the Jamaican defense on high alert. This positive approach paid off unexpectedly when an unfortunate own goal by Jamaican midfielder Kasey Palmer gave Ecuador a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute.

Even after taking the lead, La Tri maintained pressure, constantly creating opportunities to secure an important second goal. Ecuador combined ferocious attacking play with creative set-piece situations to breach the Jamaican defensive setup.

As the first half drew to a close, Félix Sánchez’s side found their opportunity. In added time, La Tri were awarded a penalty after a VAR review, which 17-year-old sensation Kendry Páez coolly converted, giving them a deserved 2-0 lead at halftime.

Jamaica started the second half with coach Heimir Hallgrímsson making two changes to get back into the game. Just nine minutes in, the Reggae Boyz halved the deficit when striker Michail Antonio scored following a mix-up in the box after a corner routine. It was Jamaica’s first goal of the 2024 Copa America, spurring them to search for an equalizer.

As the match entered its final stretch, Antonio’s goal ramped up the intensity, with both teams pushing for a breakthrough in an enthralling end-to-end contest.

Jamaica thought they had a potential penalty to level the game, but VAR confirmed the original decision not to award one. With time running out, Jamaica made tactical changes in their quest for a late equalizer.

La Tri finally put the Reggae Boyz’s challenge to bed when substitute Alan Minda scored Ecuador’s third goal in stoppage time, securing a 3-1 victory and keeping their hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds alive.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram