Arteaga strike gives Mexico victory over Jamaica in Copa America | OneFootball

HOUSTON — Mexico edged Jamaica 1-nil in a meeting of Concacaf countries at the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America on Saturday at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Jamaica goalkeeper Jahmali Waite made the first of eight saves in the 3’ as he stopped an attempt from Mexico’s Luis Chavez.

Dexter Lembikisa had a look on goal in the 26’ but was denied by Mexico goalkeeper Julio Gonzalez.

Mexico captain Edson Alvarez left the game in the 30th minute due to injury, and Luis Romo stepped in to help in midfield.

Michail Antonio struck with power in the 37’ but was denied by Gonzalez.

Luis Romo had an attempt just wide of the mark in the 45’+1 as the action intensified before halftime.

Waite made another save in the 50’+6 as Cesar Montes threatened with a header off a corner kick.

Kasey Palmer struck inside the penalty arc to start the second half, but Gonzalez was alert to the attack in the 46’.

Waite had a hand on to divert a Luis Chavez attempt in the 56’. Waite made another stop in the 64’ to deny Santiago Gimenez in the box.

Michael Hector became the first Jamaican player to reach seven matches played in the Copa America when he entered the match in the 68’ for Di'Shon Bernard.

Gerardo Arteaga broke the deadlock in the 69' with a left-footed strike from inside the edge of the box.

Lembikisa had one look for Jamaica in the 90’+1 but Gonzalez made the stop to collect his first clean sheet of the tournament.

Both nations will retake the field for Group B action on Wednesday. Jamaica will face Ecuador in Las Vegas before Mexico and Venezuela clash for the top spot in Los Angeles.

FACT:

Mexico achieved its second victory against Jamaica in the CONMEBOL Copa América, the first was in the Centennial Edition (2016), in Group C, with a 2-0 win for Mexico with goals from Javier Hernández (18’) and Oribe Peralta (81’).

With Saturday's victory, Mexico maintained its unbeaten record against Jamaica in the last 6 encounters, with 4 wins and two draws.