Everton forward Demarai Gray scored his first goal in the colours of Jamaica with a brace in a 4-1 win over Trinidad and Tobago in their second Group A game at the ongoing 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup on Wednesday night.
The Reggae Boyz played out a 1-1 draw with hosts the United States in their group opener and wasted no time in getting things off at CityPark in St. Louis as Gray scored in the 14th minute with a sublime strike that found its way into the bottom right corner of the net.
It became 2-0 three minutes later with Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey beating Trinidad goalkeeper Nicklas Frenderup in a one-on-one situation and putting the ball into the empty net.
Gray completed his brace in the 29th minute after Kevon Lambert and West Ham forward Michail Antonio combined to feed the 27-year old.
???? It's a brace for the birthday boy! ????
.#ReggaeBoyz #GoldCup #ThisIsOurs #JFF_Football pic.twitter.com/J5YBTWWfdG— Official J.F.F (@jff_football) June 29, 2023
Trinidad pulled one back through Andre Rampersad four minutes into the second half before 17-year-old Dujuan Richards scored his first goal for Jamaica in added time with a long range strike.
The other Group B game saw hosts USA pummel Saint Kitts and Nevis 6-0. Jesus Ferreira (hat-trick), Djordje Mihailovic (brace) and Bryan Reynolds were the goalscorers.
The US and Jamaica are tied on four points apiece, the Americans leading with a superior goal difference while Trinidad and Tobago are third and Saint Kitts and Nevis bottom with no points after two games.
???? Check out the Group A current Standings of the 2023 #GoldCup! ???? pic.twitter.com/qMk5gJGNWf
— Gold Cup (@GoldCup) June 29, 2023
Thursday night action in the Gold Cup will see invitees and 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts Qatar take on Honduras in Group B while eight-time champions Mexico tackle Haiti in Glendale, Arizona.
Martinique and Panama will conclude the night’s action when they lock horns at the Red Bull Arena.
