Ecuador and Jamaica will be aiming to get off the mark in the Copa America 2024 Group B clash on Wednesday night.
Two teams in search of their first points at the 2024 Copa America will clash in Group B action on Wednesday as Ecuador takes on Jamaica at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Both sides are eager to bounce back after opening-match defeats, with Ecuador losing 2-1 to Venezuela and Jamaica narrowly defeated 1-0 by Mexico.
Ecuador faced significant adversity in their opener against Venezuela, playing a man down for over an hour due to a VAR-induced red card for Felix Sanchez Bas’s side at the 22-minute mark. Despite this setback, La Tri managed to take the lead five minutes before half-time. But they couldn’t maintain their advantage, ultimately conceding two quick second-half goals.
This loss marked Ecuador’s third consecutive opening-match defeat in the Copa America and extended their winless streak in the tournament to nine matches. Additionally, it was the first time since October 2021 that Ecuador lost a match after leading at half-time, coincidentally also a 2-1 defeat to Venezuela.
Ecuador’s last loss to a CONCACAF opponent dates back to June 2019, when they were narrowly beaten 3-2 by Mexico in a friendly. Despite their recent challenges, Ecuador’s resilience will be tested as they aim to secure a vital victory against Jamaica.
Jamaica continue to seek their first-ever victory at the Copa America. They had a promising moment in their opener against Mexico, with Michail Antonio’s headed goal ruled out by VAR for offside. Ultimately, a spectacular volley from Gerardo Arteaga sealed the win for Mexico, ending Jamaica’s three-match winning streak.
In their seven Copa America appearances to date, the Reggae Boyz have yet to earn a single point or score a goal. In 2024, Jamaica has managed to keep clean sheets in the first half of all their matches but has struggled in the second half, being outscored 6-2.
Wednesday’s match will be the fifth encounter between Jamaica and Ecuador on the international stage. Jamaica’s record against Ecuador includes four losses and one draw, the latter being a goalless match in August 2009 at Giants Stadium in New Jersey. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this clash.
Team News & Tactics
Ecuador
Ecuador will be without their team captain, Enner Valencia, for this match after VAR deemed his challenge to be worthy of a red card on Matchday 1. His absence will be a significant blow to the team in a must-win game.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Sarmiento and wonderkid Kendry Paez are both at risk of suspension should they pick up a caution on the night. Whether they will be retrained on the night remains to be seen.
A 4-2-3-1 formation appears to be the way forward, with Alexander Dominguez in goal. He should be protected by the back four of Angelo Preciado, Felix Torres, Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapie.
Carlos Gruezo and Moises Caicedo will hold the fort in the middle of the park with Alan Minda, Kendry Páez and Jeremy Sarmiento pushing forward. Kevin Rodríguez should lead the line in Enner Valencia’s absence.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Dominguez; Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Hincapie; Gruezo, M. Caicedo; Minda, Paez, Sarmiento; Rodriguez
Ecuador
Jamaica’s lineup against Chile saw Jahmali Waite starting between the sticks again in place of injured captain Andre Blake, while Damion Lowe returned to the lineup after recovering from a minor knock sustained during World Cup qualifying.
The minnows gave a good account of themselves against Mexico and can consider themselves unlucky to come away with nothing to show for their efforts. They are expected to lastly retain the same playing XI, with a 3-4-2-1 formation to boot.
Jahmali Waite should start in between the sticks, behind the back three of Di’Shon Bernard, Joel Latibeaudiere and Ethan Pinnock. Dexter Lembikisa and Greg Leigh should provide the width and also start in a back five when defending.
Bobby Decordova-Reid and Karoy Anderson should hold the fort in the middle of the park, freeing up Demarai Gray and Shamar Nicholson in a dual 10 role. Veteran striker Michail Antonio should lead the line upfront.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Waite; Bernard, Latibeaudiere, Pinnock; Lembikisa, Decordova-Reid, Anderson, Leigh; Nicholson, Gray; Antonio
Key Stats
- Jamaica are still seeking their first-ever win in the Copa America.
- Ecuador have never tasted defeat against Jamaica. Their four games have seen them win twice with the remaining two ending in a draw.
- Jamaica have failed to score in their last three games against Ecuador.
- Jamaica have not conceded a first-half goal in 2024.
Player to Watch
Kendry Paez
The Chelsea sensation is yet to don the Blue jersey, but it is clear to see what the fuss is all about. Paez will undoubtedly once again be the beating heart of Ecuador’s attack and will hope to orchestrate openings for his side.
Just 17, Paez has the world at his feet and this summer’s tournament could prove to be a pivotal one in his rise. Should he turn on the style, Jamaica will be hard-pressed to keep a clean sheet on the night.
Prediction
Ecuador 1-1 Jamaica
This match is crucial for both Ecuador and Jamaica as they strive to keep their Copa America hopes alive. Ecuador’s ability to compete despite being a man down against Venezuela demonstrates their resilience. But they must avoid similar disciplinary issues and maintain their focus against a Jamaica side that can surprise them on their day. The Hard Tackle predicts a hard fought 1-1 for the clash.
