Jamaica and Panama drew 1-1 draw in Group B of the Women’s CONCACAF Gold Cup on Wednesday night at the National Stadium in Kingston, with the Reggae Girlz still in with a change to qualify for the knockout stage starting in February 2024.

The draw pushes Panama to seven points through four matches, three points ahead of Guatemala, who have four points after three games. Jamaica are on two points now from three matches and will meet Guatemala this Sunday for the final match day in this current round.

A rapidly improving Guatemalan women’s team now stands in the Reggae Girlz way of qualification, which is a must-win for Jamaica to keep hopes alive to qualify and determine a winner for the current round. Jamaica were the more active side at the start, with a couple deep crosses intended for Davia Richards that failed to connect.

Panama started to get forward and a surging run from Natalia Mills ended with a foul in the Jamaica box, resulting in a penalty. Marta Cox stepped up to take the spot kick and converted without any issues, to hand Panama a 1-0 lead in the 30’.

The Reggae Girlz were keen to get back on level terms and right before halftime, the 1 – 1 equaliser arrived via the right foot of Shaneil Buckley, who took a Malikae Dayes cross from the left and volleyed into net. Jamaica had the momentum and carried that into the second half, as they started pegging the Panamanian defense in their own half and peppering goal keeper, Yenith Bailey with shots.

The most dangerous came late on an effort from long-distance that Bailey blocked back into play but was cleared right as a Jamaican attacker converged. In the end, it was a point a piece, leaving still a lot to play for going into the final match day.

The Reggae Girlz placed third in the championships in July 2022.