Costa Rica and Canada both picked up narrow victories in Group A of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Costa Rica edged out 10-man Jamaica 1-0 before Canada beat El Salvador by the same scoreline in the doubleheader in Columbus, Ohio.

Jamaica had played well after Rudolph Austin was shown a straight red card for his tackle on Celso Borges in the 35th minute, but eventually succumbed when Borges got on the end of Pablo Herrera's cross to slide the ball past Donovan Ricketts in the 64th minute.

The second game of the night was settled by Ali Gerba's 31st minute strike as Canada joined Costa Rica at the top of the group.

The leading pair will meet in the second round of group games on Friday, the same night that Jamaica and El Salvador will be drinking from the last chance saloon as they face off.