Dexter Lembikisa and Jamaica created history on a memorable evening in Canada to secure double qualification on Tuesday.
The defender, who is currently on loan at Rotherham United, played the full 90 minutes as the Reggae Boyz reached both the 2024 Copa America and the Concacaf Nations League finals for the first time.
The international break was also successful in terms of results for Brayden Clarke and Makenzie Bradbury as the academy pair helped Wales under-17s top their Euro qualifying group.
Clarke featured for the full 180 minutes in victories against Belgium and Gibraltar, however Bradbury was unfortunate to be forced off through injury early on in the Belgium fixture on Saturday.
Dexter Lembikisa | Canada 2-3 Jamaica
Jamaica came from behind to shock Canada following a 3-2 second leg victory in Toronto, as the Nations League quarter-final ended 4-4 on aggregate, with Jamaica booking their place in March’s semi-final against USA on away goals.
The result marked a first ever success for Jamaica over Canada in Canada and the reward was a spot in their third Copa America and the final four of the Concacaf Nations League.
Copa America Here We Come 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲 pic.twitter.com/nV5xrHr3Th
— Official J.F.F (@jff_football) November 22, 2023
Despite trailing 3-1 after the first leg and falling behind to an Alphonso Davies goal in the opening 25 minutes at BMO Field, Jamaica rallied and Bobby De Cordova-Reid’s penalty 12 minutes from time completed a sensational turnaround for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side.
Since making his senior international debut in March this year, Lembikisa has cemented his place within the Jamaica squad and is also thriving in his first loan spell away from Molineux, where he is a regular at right-back for Championship outfit Rotherham.
Brayden Clarke & Makenzie Bradbury | Belgium U17 0-1 Wales U17 & Gibraltar U17 0-4 Wales U17
Wales moved one step closer to qualification for next summer’s under-17 European Championships in Cyprus as they progressed into the elite phase of qualifying.
Victories over Belgium and Gibraltar ensured the youngsters topped their qualifying round group with six points from six.
Clarke played the full 90 minutes in both games and was at the heart of the defence as he helped keep back-to-back clean sheets.
Meanwhile, Bradbury started the Belgium game before being withdrawn after 25 minutes due to injury and therefore missed the clash with Gibraltar.
Wales will compete in the elite round of qualifying next year as they look to secure their place in another European Championship finals.
