Mexico, looking to seize the top spot in their CONCACAF Nations League group with a win on Wednesday, visit Jamaica at Kingston’s Independence Park with kickoff at 3 am.
Following a first-day draw in Suriname and the subsequent dismissal of their federation’s general secretary, Jamaica’s national team now face a daunting challenge when they host Mexico in June.
After defeating Suriname 3-1 in their last match and topping Group A with one game left to play, Jamaica’s upcoming clashes with El Tri could prove decisive as only League A winners will advance to the finals in June 2023.
However, in January, Jamaica missed out on a potential 1-0 win against Mexico by conceding two late goals.
The top two finishers in each League, A group, will directly qualify for the Gold Cup. So keeping ahead of Suriname is the minimum requirement for Paul Hall’s squad, who came up well short in World Cup qualifying – winning just two of their 14 games on the road to Qatar.
Twelve months after losing in the Nations League final to the United States—losing a lead and ultimately the match in extra time—Mexico has rebounded. It is now looking to win the tournament on its second attempt. The team lost again to the Americans in the Gold Cup final but secured qualification for Qatar 2022 by finishing atop CONMEBOL during qualification.
Jamaica vs Mexico Head to Head
Both sides have nine games against each other, with the hosts taking one win while the visitors with six wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Jamaica 3-1 Suriname
- Suriname 1-1 Jamaica
- Catalonica 6-0 Jamaica
- Jamaica 2-1 Honduras
Away
- Mexico 3-0 Suriname
- Mexico 0-0 Ecuador
- Uruguay 3-0 Mexico
- Mexico 2-1 Nigeria
Jamaica Team News
Jamaica coach Paul Hall has given youth its chance this month, with 20-year-old Richard King and teenager Kenroy Campbell featuring in defence. Spartak Moscow striker Shamar Nicholson also received his first international call-up since last November, and he should start up front again on Wednesday.
Mexico Team News
As first-team fixtures such as goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, Hector Moreno, and Raul Jimenez are all leaving the current camp before its end, visitors Mexico will field an experimental side.
Prediction and Odds
The Reggae Boyz last kept a clean sheet in October, some 11 games ago. So it is unlikely they will be able to shut out an attack motivated by the chance of a place on the plane to Qatar.
- Mexico Win
- Goals Over 1.5
- Both Teams to Score
