The eagerly anticipated Copa America clash between Ecuador and Jamaica will take place on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Both teams are looking to secure their first points in Group B after narrow defeats in their opening matches. Here’s a detailed preview of what to expect from this exciting encounter.
Match Preview
Ecuador's Recent Form and Challenges
Ecuador, also known as La Tri, is coming off a 2-1 loss to Venezuela in their opener. Playing with ten men for over an hour due to a VAR red card decision against their captain Enner Valencia, they managed to take the lead but eventually succumbed to their opponents.
This defeat marked the third consecutive time Ecuador lost their opening match in Copa America and extended their winless streak in the tournament to nine matches.
Despite these setbacks, Ecuador has shown resilience in previous matches, with only three losses in their last eleven contests. H
owever, their challenge against CONCACAF opponents has been tough, with their last defeat against such a team occurring over five years ago.
Jamaica's Quest for a Historic Win
The Reggae Boyz of Jamaica have yet to taste victory in the Copa America. Their narrow 1-0 loss to Mexico in their opening match highlighted their struggle to convert opportunities, despite a disallowed goal by Michail Antonio due to VAR. Historically, Jamaica has failed to score in their seven Copa America games.
In their recent form, Jamaica has played seven matches in 2024 without conceding in the first half, though they have struggled defensively in the latter stages, being outscored 6-2 in the second half of those games.
Their head-to-head record against Ecuador shows four losses and one draw, with the latter occurring in 2009.
Team News
Ecuador
Ecuador will be missing their captain Enner Valencia due to suspension.
Jeremy Sarmiento, who scored in the previous match, along with Kendry Paez, will need to be cautious as they are one yellow card away from suspension.
The expected lineup includes Dominguez in goal, with defenders Preciado, Torres, Pacho, and Hincapie.
The midfield will feature Gruezo and Caicedo, with Minda, Paez, and Sarmiento supporting striker Rodriguez.
Jamaica
Jamaica will rely on Jahmali Waite in goal, replacing injured captain Andre Blake. Damion Lowe returns to the defence after a minor injury.
Shamar Nicholson, who has been prolific in World Cup qualification, will lead the attack alongside Gray and Antonio.
The anticipated lineup includes Waite; Bernard, Latibeaudiere, Pinnock; Lembikisa, Decordova-Reid, Anderson, Leigh; Nicholson, Gray, and Antonio.
Prediction
Given Jamaica’s offensive struggles and Ecuador’s organised defence, this match could be a low-scoring affair.
Ecuador’s ability to bounce back from setbacks and Jamaica’s difficulties in breaking through suggest a narrow victory for Ecuador.
Ecuador 
Jamaica 
