NORTH SOUND, Antigua, CMC – Defending champions Jamaica tumbled the brink of elimination from the CFU Caribbean Cup when they were held to a frustrating nil-all draw by Martinique here Monday.
Badly needing a victory following their shock defeat at the hands of French Guiana on Saturday, the Reggae Boyz were once again denied in the feature game of the doubleheader at the Vivian Richards Stadium.
The result left the CFU giants bottom of Group B on a single point and virtually needing a miracle if they are to reach the final four and earn a return trip to next year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.
In the other fixture, Cuba climbed back into contention for a semi-final spot when they came from behind to beat French Guiana 2-1.
Both teams have three points, one adrift of leaders Martinique.
With an important win required, Jamaica struggled to find their rhythm and were kept off the scoresheet in the first 45 minutes.
Their only real shot in anger came when Demar Phillips attempted an overhead kick but the ball flew wide of the uprights.
Things went from bad to worse for the Aalesunds FK forward as he was red carded in the 62nd minute for a challenge on the outstanding Kevin Parsemain.
Hamstrung by the loss of a crucial player, Jamaica brought on veteran former Bolton defender Ricardo Gardner but he had little impact, and Jamaica could only come away with a point.
Even if they beat Cuba in their final game on Wednesday night, the Reggae Boyz could still be on their way out of the tournament.
Cuba, meanwhile, fell behind early in the game and left it late before snatching full points thanks to a brace from second half substitute Ariel Martinez.
French Guiana took the lead in the 16th minute when Jean-Claude Darcheville set up Pigree who then beat goalkeeper Odelin Molina.
Cuba then had to wait until deep into the second half before they could find their footing, when Martinez struck twice in the space of three minutes.
Entering the game in the 68th minute, Martinez pulled Cuba level when he beat two defenders before clinically getting past custodian Laurent Petchy.
Celebrations had hardly died down when Martinez struck again, producing a diving header after he was played in by Yaudel Lahera.
