- Extratime Team
- Sat, Jul 29 2023
Jamaica has secured their first victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup, defeating Panama 1-0 in a tightly-contested match at Perth Rectangular Stadium.
The match-winner was a towering header by Allyson Swaby, propelling the Reggae Girlz to second place in Group F and eliminating Panama from their maiden tournament.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Drew Spence, who was a constant thorn in the Panama defense, had the first clear chance of the game with a daring run and shot that struck the side netting.
Vyan Sampson followed suit with a long-range effort, but Panama's Yenith Bailey was equal to the task, making an excellent diving save.
Martha Cox came close for Panama following a defensive lapse by Jamaica, but her shot lacked the necessary conviction to break the deadlock. Spence's bad luck continued as her curled free-kick just before half-time was pushed onto the bar by the agile Bailey.
Jamaica, led by coach Lorne Donaldson, maintained their pressure in the second half and their efforts paid off in the 55th minute.
Captain Swaby got her head to a Trudi Carter corner, giving the Caribbean side a precious lead that they held onto till the end.
As both teams sought a second goal in the game, Jamaica managed to keep Panama at bay, setting the stage for a crucial encounter with Brazil on Wednesday.
Jamaica's maiden FIFA Women's World Cup victory came in their fifth attempt, having previously recorded three losses and one draw.
Reflecting on the victory, Allyson Swaby, the VISA Player of the Match, said, "I am so happy to be the match-winner tonight. The win is huge for us. It keeps our dream of getting out of this group alive. Panama played really well. It’s the hardest match we’ve played against them. For me, it’s exciting, it shows Concacaf is growing. I’m really proud of the region and I think this tournament is showing we’re rising to the level of the rest of the world."
Panama Women: Yenith Bailey; Carina Baltrip-Reyes (Hilary Jaen 87), Katherine Castillo, Wendy Natis, Yomira Pinzon; Emily Cedeno, Marta Cox, Schiandra Gonzalez (Carmen Montenegro 78), Deysire Salazar (Aldrith Quintero 46), Riley Tanner; Lineth Cedeno (Karla Riley 65).
Subs not used: Farissa Cordoba, Sasha Fabrega, Rebeca Espinosa, Rosario Vargas, Nicole De Obaldia, Laurie Batista, Natalia Mills, Erika Hernandez.
Booked: Emily Cedeno (13), Deysire Salazar (18).
Jamaica Women: Rebecca Spencer; Deneisha Blackwood, Tiffany Cameron (Tiernny Wiltshire 87), Allyson Swaby, Chantelle Swaby; Jody Brown (Solai Washington 80), Trudi Carter (Cheyna Matthews 65), Atlanta Primus (Peyton McNamara 87), Vyan Sampson, Drew Spence; Kayla McKenna (Kameron Simmonds 80).
Subs not used: Sydney Schneider, Liya Brooks, Konya Plummer, Kaylssa Van Zanten, Paige Bailey-Gayle, Havana Solaun.
Booked: Deneisha Blackwood (31).
Referee: Kateryna Monzul.
Attendance: 15,987
