By the Caribbean Journal staff

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz made a strong showing in the first game of their Group A semifinal match in Kingston, topping Guatemala, 2-1.

Demar Phillips led off the scoring with a goal in the 41st minute, while defender Ryan Johnson put one through at the 46-minute mark.

Guatemala’s Dwight Pezzarossi scored in the 90th minute.

Jamaica is currently the top national football team in the Caribbean, according to the June FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.

Jamaica’s squad is ranked 60th in the world, tied with Nigeria and just after Sierra Leone.

The next-highest-ranked Caribbean squad is Haiti, at 71.

Trinidad is next at 82.