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Jamaica's Deneisha Blackwood (left) battles for possession against South Africa's Lebohang Ramalepe during an international friendly at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex, Montego Bay, on Friday, November 29, 2024. (Photo: JFF media)
Jamaica's Reggae Girlz secured a commanding 3-0 victory over South Africa's Banyana Banyana in the first of two international friendly matches at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex in Montego Bay on Friday night.
Siobhan Wilson, returning from a prolonged injury, opened the scoring with a spectacular goal directly from a corner in the 28th minute. Manchester City striker Khadija Shaw added a brace, netting in the 55th and 83rd minutes to seal the win for the hosts.
The match marked Jamaica's first home international since 2022 and served as a dominant display against the African champions, who have now suffered three consecutive defeats following losses to Denmark (5-0) and England (2-1) last month.
Friday’s victory was the second meeting between the sides, following a 1-1 draw in Durban prior to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Shaw's return to the national side after a year-long absence was instrumental, as she continued her fine form from the Women’s Super League, where she scored 22 goals for Manchester City last season.
The teams are set to face off again on Wednesday at the same venue.
