The Jamaica national football team, the "Reggae Boyz," faced off against Guadeloupe in a crucial Group C match of the Concacaf Gold Cup 2025 at PayPal Park in San Jose, California on June 20, 2025. Both teams were eager to secure their first points of the tournament after suffering defeats in their opening matches. Jamaica had narrowly lost to Guatemala 1-0, while Guadeloupe was handed a heavy 5-2 defeat by Panama.
The match started with Jamaica showing more dominance in possession, but Guadeloupe displayed a physical game. Despite Jamaica's early pressure, it was Guadeloupe who struck first. Thierry Ambrose scored in the 32nd minute, giving Guadeloupe a surprising lead.
Jamaica responded with increased urgency, and their efforts paid off just before halftime. In the 41st minute, Leon Bailey found the back of the net, leveling the score. A well-placed lobbed ball fell to Brown, who then passed it to Bailey. The Aston Villa winger, unmarked in the box, made no mistake with a simple left-footed finish. The equalizer was Bailey's first goal of the tournament and a crucial one for Jamaica. Just before the halftime whistle, Jonathan Russell scored with a header. Gray crossed the ball from the left flank, and Russell jumped high to head the ball into the far corner, giving Jamaica the lead.
The second half was goalless, but not without its moments. The final score was 2-1 in favor of Jamaica.
This victory was vital for Jamaica, putting them in a better position to advance from Group C. For Guadeloupe, the defeat added more pressure as they looked to stay alive in the tournament. Jamaica will play against the USMNT in their next match of the group stage.