Busby balances praise and challenge after Jamaica’s hard-fought win in Panama

The Reggae Girlz opened their two-match series against Panama with a hard-earned 1-0 victory on Friday night, using a moment of brilliance from Shania Hayles and a late defensive stand to secure an important result in Panama City.

Playing before a passionate home crowd at Estadio Rommel Fernández, Jamaica produced a disciplined performance that combined attacking intent, tactical resilience, and crucial goalkeeping when it mattered most. The win also provided another encouraging step in the team’s preparations for the upcoming Concacaf W Championship campaign, which will ultimately determine qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Early Jamaican control sets the tone

Jamaica asserted itself from the opening whistle, controlling possession and creating the better opportunities during a dominant first half.

The first warning sign arrived in the eighth minute when Kayla McKenna reacted sharply inside the penalty area, turning quickly near the six-yard box before sending her effort narrowly wide of the left post.

The breakthrough eventually came midway through the half, courtesy of the player who has become one of Jamaica’s most reliable attacking threats.

Awarded a free kick approximately 22 yards from goal in the 25th minute, Hayles stepped forward and delivered a perfectly executed strike into the far-left corner beyond the reach of goalkeeper Yenith Bailey. The goal was Hayles’ fourth for Jamaica and her third of the calendar year, continuing a rich run of scoring form for the forward.

Narrow margins in a competitive contest

Although Jamaica enjoyed the stronger opening period, Panama gradually settled into the match and began to apply greater pressure after the interval.

The Reggae Girlz nearly doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half when Jody Brown unleashed an effort that crashed against the left upright, denying Jamaica what appeared to be a crucial second goal.

As the game progressed, Panama pushed forward in search of an equalizer, forcing Jamaica to absorb increasing pressure. The hosts came closest in the 87th minute when Katherine Castillo directed a dangerous header toward goal, only for goalkeeper Liya Brooks to produce an outstanding save, tipping the ball around the post and preserving Jamaica’s slim advantage.

That intervention proved decisive as the Reggae Girlz held firm through the closing moments to secure victory.

Busby welcomes the result, eyes further improvement

While pleased with the outcome, Head Coach Hubert Busby Jr. made it clear afterward that the performance highlighted several areas requiring attention before the teams meet again.

For Busby, collecting a result away from home under challenging circumstances was a significant achievement.

“At the end of the day, we're here to win football matches by any means necessary and, as you said, no matter what happens, we have to get a result out of this game,” he said.

“When you get on the road in hostile environments with all the different conditions, all the different things that we've been through in the last week, I think it was really important for us just to focus in, zero in, make the main thing be about the main thing; which is for us to get these games in, keep the mindset positive, and keep moving forward.”

Managing fitness across a diverse squad

Busby noted that the squad entered the match with varying levels of fitness and match sharpness.

Several Europe-based players have been inactive since the conclusion of their club seasons, while those competing in the United States remain in the middle of active campaigns. That disparity required careful management throughout the contest.

“I thought we started the game pretty well and were able to possess the ball and look to exploit them in areas that we wanted to,” Busby explained.

“We've had players who haven't been playing now for over a month, those based in Europe, so you can sort of tell the playing rhythm and the physical fitness just wasn't there, and that's why we tried to manage the game with some subs.”

The coach said substitutions were used strategically to maintain energy levels and navigate the physical demands of the match.

Focus turns to recovery and ball retention

With a quick turnaround before the second friendly, Busby emphasized that recovery would be the immediate priority.

“Well, first and foremost, get the recovery in, make sure the players have the recovery that they need,” he said.

“We have one of the best medical staff, I would say, in the region, that allows for them to have a quick turnaround and, you know, have a chance to look at the film and areas where we can improve.”

Beyond physical recovery, Busby identified ball retention as an area where the team must improve.

“I thought we need to be better in possession of the ball and just kind of work on some things and head into the next match and look to improve.”

Valuable preparation for a bigger challenge ahead

The Panama series is serving a broader purpose than simply securing positive results.

Jamaica is using the friendlies as a key component of its preparation for the Concacaf W Championship, where a pivotal showdown with Costa Rica awaits. The outcome of that campaign will determine whether the Reggae Girlz earn another appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Busby believes Panama offers an ideal test because of the similarities between the two Central American sides and because of Panama’s growing stature within the region.

“That's why we wanted to play this game, because we also know Panama is a good side. They were in the last World Cup. We played them. They’re on the ascent as well,” Busby said.

“We've been watching them in other group stages to progress. They're one of the best eight teams in the region and so we came to a good crowd, great atmosphere. Panamanians came out and supported their team in numbers.”

The coach also acknowledged the quality of the opposition’s leadership.

“They've also got a fantastic coach, so I must say that as well. So, yeah, looking forward to the next game.”

For Jamaica, the opening victory represented both a successful result and a useful measuring stick. Hayles’ brilliance provided the difference on the scoreboard, but Busby and his staff will now look to sharpen fitness, improve possession play, and build on the lessons learned before the next encounter and, ultimately, the decisive road to World Cup qualification.