Jamaica's Sean Fraser (right) takes the ball away from his Haitian opponent while team-mate Dane Richards looks on during their Caribbean zone Under-20 first-leg World Cup qualifier at Harbour View Mini Stadium on Sunday. Haiti won 2-1. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer ST. JOHN'S, Antigua, CMC:
JAMAICA, IN spite of playing close to an hour with 10 men, defeated Antigua and Barbuda 2-1 in the first of their two friendly Under-17 internationals at the Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG) on Sunday.
Richard Taylor and Steve Morrisey got the goals for Jamaica, who lost their captain Richard Kentish to a red card in the 35th minute.
Clifford Samuel scored for Antigua and Barbuda as both teams prepare for important world qualifying matches this weekend.
Jamaica, who qualified for the 1999 World Under-17 Finals in New Zealand, snatched the lead in the 28th minute when Taylor slipped past two defenders on the left before moving inside to shoot right-footed beyond Julio Charles in the Antigua and Barbuda goal.
Kentish was sent off for a reckless challenge on striker Odelle Murray seven minutes later, and from the resulting free-kick, Samuel found the target from the top of the box to level the scores in the 36th minute.
Jamaica secured victory through Morrisey's superb solo effort in the 61st minute.
The prolific striker skilfully twisted his way through the Antigua and Barbuda defence unit and after Charles blocked his initial shot, he knocked in the rebound from just outside the six-yard box.
The two teams will meet in another friendly today before their Caribbean Football Union (CFU) zone world qualifying assignments this weekend.
The young Reggae Boyz are heading for St. Kitts and Nevis for their two-leg series Friday and Sunday, while Antigua and Barbuda take a 2-0 lead into the second leg of their series against Grenada in St. George's.
