A man-of-the-match worthy performance from goalkeeper Andre Blake, along with first-half goals from Leon Bailey and Jonathan Russell, helped Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz secure a crucial 2-1 win over Guadeloupe at PayPal Park on Saturday night, breathing new life into their 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup campaign.

Guadeloupe stunned the Jamaicans by taking the lead in the 32nd minute, when Thierry Ambrose capitalized on a short corner routine to finish against the run of play. The goal came during a period where Jamaica had been dominating possession but failing to convert chances.

The equalizer came in the 41st minute through Leon Bailey, who had earlier struck the post twice — one of those efforts nearly producing a goal-of-the-tournament contender from long range. Bailey finally got his reward, calmly slotting home past flat-footed Guadeloupe goalkeeper Brice Cognard to draw the Reggae Boyz level.

With momentum building, Jamaica struck again deep into first-half stoppage time. Jonathan Russell rose highest to head home the go-ahead goal in the 4th minute of added time from a cross from Demarai Gray, giving his team a 2-1 lead heading into the break.

The second half belonged to Blake, who turned in a world-class goalkeeping display to keep Guadeloupe at bay, first reaching back to deny a point-blank effort off the goal line and then using his legs to block the ball in stoppage time. The Caribbean minnows, who had a goal disallowed, pressed hard for an equalizer, but were repeatedly denied by the veteran shot-stopper’s reflexes and command of his area.

The victory sees Jamaica rekindle their hopes of advancing to the Gold Cup quarterfinals, with one group stage match remaining. The Reggae Boyz will next face Panama at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, needing a positive result to secure their place in the knockout round.