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PERTH — Jamaica defender Allyson Swaby scored from a sharp header to steer her side to a 1-0 win against Panama in Perth on Saturday, keeping alive the Caribbean side's hopes of advancing to the last 16 of the Women's World Cup.
Panama, who have yet to open their account having lost earlier to Brazil 4-0, can't progress ahead of France and Jamaica who lead Group F with four points.
"I think there was some wastefulness in front of goal. I didn't think we were clinical," winning coach Lorne Donaldson told a press conference.
"But we got the one that counted and that's all that matters right now."
In a scoreless first half, Jamaica dominated in attack and kept Panama goalkeeper Yenith Bailey busy, peppering the goal without success.
On the stroke of halftime, a huge chance went begging when Bailey stretched to get a fingertip to midfielder Drew Spence's free kick to keep the islanders frustrated.
OFF THE BAR pic.twitter.com/RmsBZ7u126
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 29, 2023
Panama, competing in their first World Cup, played with renewed vigour in the 10 minutes following the break and forward Lineth Cedeno misdirected a header that would have been her country's first goal in the showpiece event.
Jamaica absorbed the pressure though and in the 56th minute Trudi Carter fired in a low corner kick to Swaby -- captaining the side after Khadija Shaw was red-carded during their 0-0 draw with France -- who scored.
THERE IT IS!
Jamaica scores its first goal of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup pic.twitter.com/QsEtTWaz3M— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 29, 2023
The 'Reggae Girlz' protected their lead for the remainder of the game and, despite a few nervy moments in stoppage time, held on to celebrate their first World Cup victory.
You have to admire the effort in the final moments pic.twitter.com/y0ZefRPGzk
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 29, 2023
Panama's final match comes against France in Sydney on Wednesday when Jamaica will face Brazil in Melbourne.
"Panama has a future. This is the first of many World Cups, this is what we have to think," losing coach Ignacio Quintana told reporters.
Jamaica vs Panama highlights
(Reporting by Joel Dubber in Perth; Editing by Christian Radnedge and Clare Fallon)
