Elton Tucker, Assistant Sports Editor

Jamaica's players Sasheena Stewart (left) and Audia Sullivan celebrate their win over Ecuador at the Pan American Games yesterday. Jamaica won 1-0. - Reuters

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil:

JAMAICA'S REGGAE Girlz opened their first-ever Pan American Games campaign in fine style when they eked out a 1-0 win over Ecuador at the Miecimo Complex here yesterday.

The winning goal came from the boot of Portmore Strikers forward Tashana Vincent in the 47th minute. A thrilled Vincent was happy to get the winning goal.

"When I saw the ball coming in my direction, I thought 'Tashana, this is your chance to score a goal'," the 20-year-old said after the game.

Big test upcoming

Jamaica were expected to score a more convincing win over the Ecuadoreans. While the Jamaican girls all play for club teams, the Ecuadorean women's game has not yet developed to that stage.

The Girlz will face a very big test tomorrow when they oppose hosts Brazil at the Joao Havelange Stadium at 3:30 local time (1:30 in Jamaica).

The Brazilians, who beat Uruguay 4-0 yesterday, will welcome back FIFA's top female player, Marta.

The Brazilian female star who plays professionally in Sweden has been out of the Brazilian line-up for the past three years.

In the opening match of the competition Argentina blanked Panama 2-0.

The Games, which have attracted more than 5,500 athletes from 42 countries, will have its official opening today at the famous Maracana Stadium.

Opening ceremony

Details of the ceremony are being kept secret. As many as 95,000 spectators are expected to turn out for the ceremony, which is being put together by a team which includes artists, designers, musical producers and renowned choreographers, in addition to an American consultant who worked in the production of the ceremonies at two Olympic Games, one Pan American Games and three Winter Olympics.