Jamaicans beat Mexico to give Barnes winning debut

AFP - 12 October 2008 04:55

Jamaica´s Richard Fuller (centre) celebrates after scoring against Mexico during their FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 qualifying football match at the National stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, on October 11. Jamaica won 1-0.

KINGSTON (AFP) - Richard Fuller scored in the 14th minute and Jamaica defeated Mexico 1-0 Saturday in a World Cup 2010 regional qualifying match, denying the Mexicans a chance to advance to next year's final phase.

Former Liverpool and England star John Barnes, who was born and raised in Kingston, made a triumphant debut as manager of the Jamaican team after Rene Simoes was fired last month after two World Cup qualifying losses.

The victory lifted Jamaica to 1-2 with a draw for four points in Group B of North American qualifying for next year's six-team tournament to decide three spots in South Africa.

The Mexicans suffered a defeat after three triumphs to stay on nine points.

Mexico defeated Jamaica 3-1 last month in a match originally scheduled for Kingston. The sites for scheduled matches were switched because of concerns over severe weather on the Caribbean island.

The Jamaicans visit Honduras on Wednesday and finish at Canada next month while Mexico will host Canada on Wednesday and Honduras in November.