Kingston has long been an unforgiving stop for Honduras, but the visitors left Jamaica’s capital with a landmark 1-0 victory in the second round of Concacaf Nations League Group B. Keylor Figueroa’s early finish gave the Central Americans their first sporting win on Jamaican soil, before a late defensive stand protected an increasingly precious lead.
José Francisco Molina’s side arrived with clear attacking intent, using Figueroa and Dereck Moncada up front while keeping a disciplined shape behind them. The decisive moment came after 14 minutes, when a move developed down the right and a quick combination created the opening for Figueroa to arrive in the area and put Honduras ahead.
Honduras controlled much of the first half, registering 66 per cent possession and limiting Jamaica’s route back into the match despite the home side’s attempts to raise the tempo. Luis Palma came close to adding a second in the 34th minute, sending a header over the crossbar. The visitors produced three clear opportunities over the course of the game, compared with Jamaica’s two, but could not find the final touch to make their advantage safer.
Jamaica, led by Rudolph Speid, looked most threatening through Bailey Cadamarteri, whose efforts tested the attention of Honduras goalkeeper Edrick Menjívar without producing an equaliser. The home team’s close marking occasionally crossed into rougher territory, and Costa Rican referee Juan Calderón booked three Jamaican players before the interval.
A difficult final stretch
The pattern changed sharply in the 68th minute, when Moncada was sent off with a straight red card following a confrontation with a Jamaican opponent. Down to 10 men, Honduras had to devote far more energy to protecting Menjívar and the back line.
Jamaica took command during the final 20 minutes, using their physical strength and seeking quick breaks as Honduras tried to retain possession through the middle. Molina’s team still found a couple of counter-attacking openings, but lacked the composure to finish them. Jamaica, meanwhile, could not turn their late pressure into a goal as urgency became frustration.
The final whistle confirmed more than three points for Honduras: it was Molina’s first win in his second official match since taking charge in March. Honduras remain on the road for their next Nations League assignment, visiting Martinique on 2 October.
