Uruguay star Edinson Cavani has apologized to Copa America opponents Jamaica after describing the Reggae Boyz as an African team.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker is set to start against Jamaica in Antofagasta on Saturday as the Uruguayans begin the defence of their 2011 crown in Group B.

Jamaica are one of two teams invited to participate in the Copa America from the North, Central America and Carribean region (CONCACAF) along with Mexico.

Cavani caused a stir in the build-up to Saturday's match after stating that like "any other African team, Jamaica are going to be strong."

Cavani swiftly apologised for the gaffe on Twitter.

"First of all, I want to apologise to Jamaica and its people," he wrote.

"In my mind, I have compared two similar styles and characteristics of the game between your team and other African teams but the truth is that I have expressed half of my reasoning and it went out bad and been perceived quite wrong.

"My deepest public apologies and I hope it will be taken with humor and not as an offense."