(CMC) – Jamaica had a second-half winner controversially chalked off but their West Ham star Michail Antonio netted a stunner as the hosts earned a point in a entertaining 1-1 draw against powerhouses United States here Tuesday night.

Playing in front of fans at the National Stadium for the first time during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Jamaica went behind in the 11th minute through Timothy Weah’s strike before Antonio scored for the second time in five days with a long-range bomb in the 22nd minute, to draw his side level.

The Reggae Boyz thought they had found the winner when Damion Lowe rose highest in the area to head past goalkeeper Zack Steffen in the 83rd minute but referee Juan Calderon astonishingly ruled Lowe had impeded centre back Walker Zimmerman.

It meant Jamaica were forced to settle for shared honours, leaving them fifth on seven points and four behind fourth-placed Panama, with United States topping the standings on 15 points.
“I wouldn’t complain about the officiating,” Whitmore said afterwards.

“I think we should have gone on to win the game. (There were) numerous opportunities presented and I think we didn’t capitalise.”

Jamaica suffered an early setback when Weah produced a delicate interchange with Ricardo Pepi before, spinning past defender Javain Brown, bursting into the left-side of the box and shrugging off Bobby Reid’s timid challenge and beating goalkeeper Andre Blake at the near post.

Jamaica grew into the game, however, and Antonio capitalised with a well-taken goal which sent spectators into frenzy. He collected a pass just past the half-way line, turned inside Tyler Adams before unleashing a thunderous 30-yard volley into the upper left-hand corner of the nets.

For Antonio, it was his second goal following his maiden international strike last Friday away to El Salvador.

Gianluca Busio shaved the crossbar in the 52nd minute to rattle Jamaica but the hosts responded almost immediately and should have scored were it not for Reid’s profligacy.

With the USA defence in shambles, Lamar Walker whipped a cross into the six-yard box only for Antonee Robinson’s muffed clearance to fall to an unmarked Reid also in the goal area.
However, the Fulham forward made a hash of the strike, blazing over the crossbar from point blank range.

And the major turning point came seven minutes from the end when Lowe eluded his markers to find the nets only for Calderon to cancel out the goal.
Jamaica will take on Mexico in their next World Cup qualifier in January at the same venue.