Canada collapses in home loss to Jamaica, putting Copa America entry at risk

Jamaica defeated Canada 3-2 on a controversial late penalty Tuesday, capping a three-goal comeback in a wild second half that turned into a 4-4 aggregate tie and victory for the Reggae Boyz on the away goals rule in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal series.

The result earns Jamaica a berth in the 2024 Copa America as one of CONCACAF's six guest teams. Canada now must win a play-in in March to join the field at the South American championship.

The 45th-ranked Canadian men went into the second leg of the series holding a 2-1 lead over the 55th-ranked Jamaicans from Saturday's rain-delayed win in Kingston, Jamaica.

Ismael Kone scored in the 69th minute to put Canada ahead after Jamaica pulled even on aggregate on Shamar Nicholson goals in the 63rd and 66th minute. Alphonso Davies had extended Canada's aggregate lead to 3-1 with a goal in the 25th minute.

WATCH | Canada eliminated by Jamaica in Toronto:

Mexican referee Cesar Ramos then pointed to the penalty spot in the 75th minute after the ball hit Stephen Eustaquio's arm. It seemed a harsh call with the Canadian midfielder trying to get his arm down to his side to avoid contact.

The ruling survived video review and Bobby Reid slotted the penalty home in the 78th minute. Seven minutes later, Jamaica's Demarai Gray was sent off for a second yellow card, adding to the drama.

The Jamaicans held on for nine minutes of stoppage time.

The Jamaican defence had trouble all evening containing Canada's strike force of Davies, Jonathan David, Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan. But the Reggae Boyz' attack found its teeth in the second half.

Davies opened the scoring by capping a rapid-fire counterattack.

Kone drove up the field and found Richie Laryea on the left with a pass