Jamaica may not have won their group but they ensured that they finished the group stage of the Concacaf Under 17 Women’s Championship unbeaten.

The young Reggae Girlz played to a 1-1 draw with Canada in their final group game at the Panamerican Stadium in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Thursday. Natoya Atkinson gave Jamaica the lead in the 38th minute but Renee Watson equalised for the Canadians in the 50th minute as both teams finished Group F with seven points. However, Canada won the group having a superior goal difference (+15) to Jamaica (+9).

Both Jamaica and Canada had already secured their places in the Round of 16 after two straight wins. Similar to their 3-1 win over the Dominican Republic on Tuesday, Jamaica were put under press early, with Canada having the majority of chances, which included a shot from Jeneva Gray in the seventh minute which hit the crossbar. Despite Jamaica being under pressure they still managed to pose an attacking threat with Shaneil Buckley coming close in the 20th minute with a shot that was saved by Canadian goalkeeper Zoe Markesini.

The Girlz had their lead seven minutes before the break as Andrene Smith’s low cross found Atkinson, who fired home from close range to stun the Canadians. It was Atkinson’s third goal of the tournament in as many games.

A Canadian half time substitution made the difference as Watson came on for Nyah Rose and five minutes into the second half she got the equaliser firing a shot in the roof of the net, giving Jamaican goalkeeper Lyla Brooks no chance. While at times the pace was back and forth, Canada pressed forward in their bid to take the lead but were held at bay by the Jamaican defence. Brooks had to be called into action in the final 10 minutes to stop strikes from Rosa Maalouf and second half substitute Anna Hauer to keep the score tied.

Jamaica will now turn their attention to the knockout round where they will face Cuba on Sunday.