Jamaica were held to a 1-1 draw by Antigua and Barbuda in Sunday’s friendly international between both teams at Sabina Park.
After a substandard first half, the Reggae Boys, who dominated possession and missed multiple scoring opportunities, went ahead in the 50th minute when Dane Kelly’s powerful shot – that was headed towards goal – was deflected by Akeem Thomas.
The home team, with time winding down, continued to apply pressure and came close to scoring through Peter-Lee Vassell who saw his free-kick in the 92nd minute saved by goalkeeper Brenton Muhammad.
Marvin Morgan’s subsequent follow up shot was parried by Muhammad which resulted in the Antiguans launching a counter-attack with a number of Jamaican players out of position.
Joshua Parker’s powerful shot was expertly pushed aside by Reggae Boyz custodian Andre Blake but fell at the feet of Myles Weston whose left footed cross found an unmarked Peter Byers who headed home the equalizer with the last play of the game.
The result snapped Jamaica’s 5-game win streak over their Caribbean neighbours.
The match, Jamaica’s first on home soil in 16 months, was described as lukewarm by a disappointed coach Theodore Whitmore.
The Reggae Boyz now turn their attention to their opening game in the CONCACAF Nations League against the Cayman Islands in September.