Reigning champions Canada qualify for Paris 2024 with win over Jamaica
especiales
Reigning Olympic champions Canada will defend their women's football title at Paris 2024 after beating Jamaica in the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Olympic qualifier over two legs.
The 2-1 victory today at the BMO Field in Toronto and 4-1 on aggregate means they have secured qualification for the 2024 Gold Cup.
The Reggae Girlz scored their first goal of the qualifier in the second leg through a sensational freekick from Drew Spence in the 33rd minute to break the deadlock, leaving goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan helpless.
That, however, did not stop the hosts from attacking, with Deneisha Blackwood almost scoring an own goal from a Canadian corner.
Ashley Lawrence troubled Jamaica from a long-range strike but Spencer was there to deflect it onto the crossbar.
Finally, Chloe Lacasse headed in the equaliser from a corner in the 39th minute.
An early second half header by Jordyn Huitema from a Lawrence cross helped Canada make it 11 wins in 11 matches against Jamaica.
"It feels unbelievable to get back to the Olympic Games where we belong," Canada's coach Bev Priestman said.
"We feel incredible, I thought the crowd tonight was unbelievable and they kept pushing.
"There were some hairy moments, but it was the crowd that goes us going again."
Last week, the Canadians beat Jamaicans 2-0 in Kingston.
Nichelle Prince and Adriana Leon, who celebrated her 100th cap, scored the goals to give them an important lead before the win today.
Canada joins hosts France, USA, Brazil and Colombia at Paris 2024.
Seven more countries are due to qualify for the 12-team tournament in the French capital.
Apart from the gold in Tokyo in 2021, the Canadian women's team bagged bronze medals at London 2012 and Rio 2016.
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