Jamaica forward Leon Bailey battles for the ball alone the endline with Guadeloupe defenseman Steve Solvet during Jamaica’s 2-1 win in Group C play of the Gold Cup at PayPal Park on Friday JUN 20, 2025. (Soy502)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — Jamaica scored two late goals in the second half to defeat Guadeloupe 2-1 in group play of the Gold Cup on Friday evening at PayPal Park.

Jamaica earned its first win of the tournament and is currently tied for the top spot with Panama with three points in Group C. Guadeloupe has two matches in a row and anchors the bottom of the group.

Jamaica striker Leon Bailey’s right footed attempt was knocked away over the net by Guadeloupe goalkeeper Brice Cognard in the second minute as Jamaica earned an early chance in the match.

Thierry Ambrose gave Guadeloupe its first quality scoring chance in the 15th minute but his shot attempt from just outside the box sailed high and wide left.

Bailey had his second scoring chance after receiving a long ball from 30 yards out from his goalkeeper Andre Blake. Bailey dribbled over to the left wing before firing a shot off of the post.

In the 24th minute, Demari Gray tried to catch Cognard napping. Gray kicked the ball from 65 yards out with Cognard retreating back to his goal only to see the ball ricochet off of the crossbar.

Guadeloupe broke the ice in the 32nd minute off a set piece. After corner kick, Noah Cadiou sent a back pass out to Ambrose who one-timed the ball into the far corner of the net for his first goal of the tournament.

Jamaica scored the equalizer in the 42nd minute. Warner Brown centered the ball into the middle of the box where an unmarked Bailey buried a one-timer past Cognard for his first goal of the tournament.

Jonathan Russell gave Jamaica its first lead in the fourth and final minute of stoppage time in the first half. Gray centered the ball into the box where Russell jumped high in the air and headed the ball into the far corner of the net for his first goal of the tournament.

The second half saw chippiness from both sides as referee Kwinisi Williams issued four yellow cards, two each by both countries that were a result of unsportsmanlike fouls.

Guadeloupe had three chances to score the equalizer during 10 minutes of stoppage time. In the first minute, Blake stoned a close-range chance from Ange-Freddy Plumain. A minute later, Florian David sent in a cross over to Nathanaël Saintini but his header attempt was blocked. Blake made one final save in the ninth minute when he made a save on David’s right-footed shot attempt.

Blake, who plays for MLS’s Philadelphia Union, finished with four saves on five shots to earn his first win of the tournament. Cognard made two saves on four shots in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: Jamaica finished with four corner kicks. Guadeloupe has six.

UP NEXT: Jamaica finishes up group with Panama on Tuesday June 24th while Guadeloupe concludes their group play against Guatemala also on the 24th.