Reggae Boyz to face Saudi Arabia

Jamaica’s national soccer team, the Reggae Boyz, will be play Saudi Arabia at the King Fahd International Stadium, also called Pearl of Stadiums, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 7.

Qualified for 2018 World Cup

Saudi Arabia have already qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, The Saudi’s join Iran, Japan and Republic of Korea as the teams from Asia in the world’s top soccer tournament in Russia.

Saudi Arabia finished second in their Group behind Japan. The team also qualified in the 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Seeking high quality games

The new President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Michael Ricketts, in agreeing to the game, said, “This is an indication of our intent to continue seeking high-quality international friendly games for the senior team. This level of opposition provides an opportunity for the players and technical team to continue the rebuilding of a successful Reggae Boyz team.”

To the disappointment of Jamaican soccer fans home and in the Diaspora the Reggae Boyz were eliminated from competing in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the qualifying round.

Anticipate highly competitive game

The Reggae Boyz coach Theodore Whitmore, also welcomed the opportunity for his team to play in Saudi Arabia, stating: “I anticipate a highly competitive fixture which is excellent for our plans moving forward.”

The Reggae Boyz have played Saudi Arabia three times, winning one, losing one and drawing the other. The teams played to a 0-0 draw on May 4, 1998; Jamaican won the next encounter 2-1 on July 13, 1999 in the US, but lost the third game 0-4 two days later.

The Jamaican squad to travel to Saudi Arabia will be announced later this week.

About the Reggae Boyz

Jamaica's Reggae Boyz gained worldwide popularity after they qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. They have won the Caribbean Cup five times (1991, 1998, 2005, 2008, and 2010), finished second twice, and came third twice.