Jamaica’s 1-0 win over Mexico in the Olympic qualifying return leg at the National Stadium not only revived hopes of reaching Munich but also reignited national pride. The hard-fought victory, sealed by Leonard ‘Chicken’ Mason’s goal, lifted team morale after a dismal first-leg loss, and energised fans who celebrated the spirited performance. Despite playing a man down, Jamaica held firm, demonstrating resilience and unity that left the nation beaming with optimism.

Published Monday, May 8, 1972 

McLennon sent off ...

Mason’s goal gives Jamaica narrow win over Mexico

Gleaner Sports Reporter

JAMAICA RESTORED some confidence in themselves and boosted the morale of their fans when they defeated Mexico 1-0 in the return leg of an Olympic-qualifying football fixture at the National Stadium yesterday. The one vital goal could play a major part in Jamaica's desperate bid to catch the plane to Munich.
Mexico had won the first-leg match 4-0 in Mexico City.
An estimated 5,000 spectators saw centre forward Leonard ‘Chicken’ Mason crack a fine shot past Mexican goalkeeper Rogelio Ruiz in the third minute of the second half to register the game's only goal. For the first 15 minutes of the game, the home players gave the impression that they were about to repeat their dismal show against Guatemala last Sunday. But then Mario McLennon replaced Melverton Brooks in the defence and immediately added some sparkle to the game.
It was he who sent a long pass to left-winger Kenneth Campbell, who had moved into the centre near the 18-yard line. Campbell collected the ball well but only managed to boot it over the bar.
The Mexican captain, Leandro Cuellar, playing left wing, and midfield player Angel Talavara, produced good football at times. But left back Francisco Barba and forward Manuel Manzo nullified these efforts with some questionable tactics. Barba was prone to take the man without the ball, and Manzo received a caution from Netherlands Antilles referee Felix Figal.
The first half ended with Campbell wasting a fine pass from Keith Tulloch, who had robbed Hernandez to send Campbell away.
The second half saw Mexico open brightly. They controlled the ball for about two minutes before Jamaica took over.
Then, fortunes switched dramatically. It started with Tulloch on the left wing wiggling his way past two Mexicans before passing to Owen Stewart, who wasted no time. Sighting Mason unmarked to the right of the goal, Mason collected on his left foot, switched briskly to the right and cracked a shot past the helpless Ruiz.
Bolstered by this goal, Jamaica began to toy with the Mexicans. The crowd showed their pleasure, clapping and shouting at practically every move the Jamaicans made.
Three-quarters of the way through the half, violence erupted when Jamaica's Mario McLennon and opposing centre forward Manzo and goalkeeper Ruiz got involved in a physical tussle.
Jamaica had earned a throw, and McLennon, who had the ball, was about to take the throw when he was pushed by Manzo. McLennon, gesticulating in a show of disgust, caught Manzo on the shoulder with an outflung hand.
The Mexican player immediately fell to the ground in theatrical fashion, and his goalkeeper, Ruiz, raced across the field and appeared to butt McLennon.
Referee Figal came over to the scene, separated players who were gathering in a group, and then ordered McLennon off the field. McLennon immediately left as the crowd voiced angry disapproval.
Jamaica, minus a man, played defensively when the game resumed, and there were obvious feelings between the two sides.
Mason and Stewart were still able to pose a threat to the Mexican rearguard, despite some hefty tackles. Five minutes from time, Manzo sent Hernandez raiding dangerously in the middle, but, under pressure, he shot over the bar.
The Mexican marksman slammed his hand on the ground in disgust, and Jamaican fans breathed again. Jamaica then hung on to their lead, the final whistle bringing relief.

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