Reggae Girlz draw with Panama after missed penalty in friendly

Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz closed their two-match friendly assignment in Panama City with a scoreless result against Panama on Tuesday at Estadio Rommel Fernandez.

The Jamaicans had beaten the hosts 1-0 at the same ground on Friday, and the latest stalemate moved their unbeaten streak against Panama to four matches.

Deneisha Blackwood, the experienced left-sided player, had the clearest early opening after Natasha Thomas was fouled while carrying the ball across the Panama penalty area in the 26th minute. Thomas, one of five starters brought in after Friday’s match, earned the spot kick, but Blackwood’s effort rose too high and struck the crossbar.

Thomas nearly broke through again in the 38th minute, sending a header towards goal before Panama goalkeeper Yenith Bailey managed to get a touch on it.

Jamaica also threatened deep in stoppage time when Konya Plummer fired from close range, but Bailey reacted well and turned the attempt behind for a corner.