The Reggae Boyz are facing a possible elimination from the Caribbean Cup as they managed a 0-0 draw against Martinique Monday night at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in St. John’s, Antigua.
Jamaica is the defending Caribbean Cup champions, who is attempting to get to the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, but with Monday’s draw they have landed their way at the bottom of Group B. Martinique leads the group with four points, French Guiana and Guiana both have three points, while Jamaica only has one point.
Martinique appeared to be the more aggressive and organized team in Monday’s night match. Jamaica appeared to be flustered at times in the first half.
Martinique managed to score in the 14th minute of play when Jordi Delem delivered a floated ball in, but the goal was nullified when the referee ruled Martinique offside, according to Sean Williams of the Jamaica Observer.
Boyz goalkeeper Dwayne Miller was tested two minutes later when Martinique captain Kevin Parsemain attempted a shot from 25 yards, but Miller denied his strike.
Demar Phillips attempted to answer the shots put forth by Martinique in the first half with one of his own. Phillips challenged Martinique goalkeeper Kevin Olimpa with a 30-yard shot, but was unsuccessful as Olimpa denied him.
Both teams entered the half scoreless, but the Boyz came out in the second half with a new sense of urgency. They played in a more cohesive manner compared to the first half, but were still unable to penetrate through the Martinique defense.
As the Jamaicans were gaining momentum they took a hit in the 62nd minute when left-back Demar Phillips picked up his second yellow card and was sent off the field.
Martinique looked to capitalize with the short-handed Boyz in the 86th minute, when Sebastein Cretinoir aimed a 30-yard shot at substitute goalie Duwayne Kerr. Kerr managed to deny Cretinoir’s shot.
The Boyz had a final attempt to steal the game when Darren Mattocks split two defenders, but was unable to get a high percentage shot off from inside the box.
Jamaica now needs to win against Cuba Tuesday and hope Martinique defeats French Guiana, so they can squeak their way into the knockout phase. They could also hope that the two teams draw in their match, but Martinique winning would be a more favorable outcome for the Reggae Boyz.
If none of those scenarios work out in the favor then they will be eliminated and sent back across the water to regroup for the Caribbean Cup next year.
