Mexico have recorded a 1-0 half-time lead over Jamaica to move halfway toward a 10th CONCACAF Gold Cup title.

The pre-match favourites survived a couple of scares early on as Jamaica started the better of both sides in Philadelphia.

However, Miguel Herrera's side slowly but surely developed a foothold in the clash and almost went ahead on the half-hour mark through Jesus Corona, whose effort curled narrowly wide.

It proved a sign of things to come, though, as Andres Guardado steered the ball home in superb fashion following Paul Aguilar's teasing cross.

Adrian Mariappa sparked panic in the Mexico box late on in the half by drilling across the face of goal, but Diego Reyes was on hand to divert the ball just past the post.