Boyz lose but ...

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau::

Having already qualified for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, host Jamaica ended their campaign in the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship at the Montego Bay Stadium, in St James, with a whimper yesterday afternoon; beaten 1-0 by Panama in their third place play-off, which preceded the tournament's championship game.

In a game in which the Jamaica players were indecisive in their movement, the more composed Panama team got the game's all important goal midway the second half through the hard-working Omar Browne, who had an excellent tournament for the Panamanians.

"Since we were not in the finals the next best position that was available was third and we decided to go for it," said Panama's captain Roberto Chen. "Qualifying for the world cup and then finishing third overall means we had a good tournament."

For Jamaica's coach Wendell Downswell, the local lads did not play with the kind of decisiveness that he wanted and he believes that factor contributed to the goal they gave up when they were having the better of the exchanges.

"Our decision-making was poor and we were generally too indecisive," said Downswell. "We created good opportunities and then ended up losing the game by giving up a soft goal."

The game started with Panama creating a great chance in the seventh minute. Aldair Parades broke free before the goal but fired straight at goalkeeper Richard Trench. Jamaica countered a minute later but skipper Omar Holness fired wide from the edge of the penalty area.

With Panama looking more composed in their attacking play, they were rewarded in the 36th minute courtesy of a blunder in the Jamaican defence. Brown took the ball after a Jamaican defender failed to control properly and fired home, making the half-time score 1-0.

Panama just missed doubling their lead two minutes into the second half. Alfredo Stephens got behind the Jamaican defence but with a clear shot at the goal, drove his shot wide. Jamaica countered a minute later but skipper Holness once again failed to get his shot on target.

Midway the half, Jamaica made three rapid changes, bringing in the skilful Cardell Benbow, Javia Roberts and Junior Flemmings and immediately the momentum swung in their favour. However, they were not able to transform their new dominance into goals.

In the dying moments of the game, Flemmings created a glorious opportunity for himself when he dribbled through the Panama defence. However, his cracking shot was collected on the second attempt by the goalkeeper.

The young Jamaicans will now have to dust off and turn their attention to this summer's FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which takes place in Mexico from June 18-10 July.

At press time USA and Canada were locked in a 1-1 scoreline after 30 minutes of play in the first half.