Reggae Girlz’ Mexico victory reinforces Busby’s confidence in evolving programme
Key Points(5)
- The Reggae Girlz produced an attacking display of considerable quality to defeat the 28th-ranked Mexicans on Friday at Estadio Victoria in Aguascalientes, securing their second-ever victory over their opponents and their first since a 1-0 triumph at the 2022 Concacaf W Championship.
- For Busby, however, the significance of the seven-goal contest extended beyond the result.
- The performance offered further evidence of a programme that has evolved considerably since Jamaica made its debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with more players now gaining regular experience in demanding professional environments.
- “It’s night and day,” Busby said, reflecting on the transformation.
- “When you think about when we went to the first World Cup, we had predominantly college kids and players going into their first contracts.
Jamaica’s 4-3 victory over Mexico has given head coach Hubert Busby another encouraging indication of how far the Reggae Girlz programme has progressed, with the increasing number of players competing in professional football strengthening the team ahead of next month’s decisive Concacaf W Championship.
The Reggae Girlz produced an attacking display of considerable quality to defeat the 28th-ranked Mexicans on Friday at Estadio Victoria in Aguascalientes, securing their second-ever victory over their opponents and their first since a 1-0 triumph at the 2022 Concacaf W Championship.
For Busby, however, the significance of the seven-goal contest extended beyond the result. The performance offered further evidence of a programme that has evolved considerably since Jamaica made its debut at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with more players now gaining regular experience in demanding professional environments.
“It’s night and day,” Busby said, reflecting on the transformation.
“When you think about when we went to the first World Cup, we had predominantly college kids and players going into their first contracts. Now we have players who have left college early, who are in professional environments and are playing and thriving.”
That development, he believes, is helping Jamaica build the experience and competitiveness required to challenge the region’s leading teams and pursue another appearance on the world stage.
Professional experience making a difference
The impact of that progress was evident in the victory over Mexico, as all four Jamaican goals came from players competing in professional football.
Jody Brown, who operates in Europe, opened the scoring, while captain Khadija “Bunny” Shaw doubled the advantage. Deneisha Blackwood, who plays in Mexico, converted a penalty to restore Jamaica’s two-goal cushion before Solai Washington, who competes in the United States, delivered the decisive strike late in the match.
Brown put Jamaica ahead in the 15th minute after being set up by Paige Bailey-Gayle, and Shaw made it 2-0 five minutes later when she finished Drew Spence’s defence-splitting pass.
Mexico responded through Lizbeth Jacqueline Ovalle’s 29th-minute free kick, but Jamaica regained control when Blackwood converted from the penalty spot in the 36th minute after Shaw was brought down by Mexican captain Rebeca Bernal.
Bernal made amends just before halftime, heading home in the 45th minute to reduce the deficit to 2-3.
The second half developed into a more closely contested battle, with goalkeepers Rebecca Spencer and Esthefanny Barreras producing important saves to keep their respective teams in contention.
Jamaica appeared to have secured the result when substitute Kayla Jay McKenna released Washington, who calmly scored her first senior international goal in the 90th minute.
Mexico refused to surrender, however, as Veronica Charlyn Corral pulled another goal back in the fifth minute of stoppage time. The Reggae Girlz held on to complete a hard-fought victory that combined clinical finishing with resilience under pressure.
For Busby, the contributions of the goalscorers reflected the benefits of having more players accustomed to the demands of professional competition.
College players still in the picture
Although professional representation has expanded significantly, Busby is also encouraged by the readiness of players who remain in the collegiate system.
Goalkeeper Liya Brooks and Aliyah Morgan are the only two members of the current squad who are not attached to professional clubs. Both, however, have gained valuable exposure through their involvement in Jamaica’s senior and youth programmes.
Busby pointed to Brooks’ international experience as evidence that playing college football does not necessarily prevent a player from making the transition to senior international competition.
“If you’ve seen the likes of Liya Brooks then you know she’s played well in the last two years. She’s played against the USA and England and she made her debut against South Africa,” Busby said.
“So, she’s had that sort of experience now to be able to come into these games as well, even though she still is in college.”
He also highlighted Morgan’s progress through the national setup and her previous senior appearances.
“And Aliyah is someone who’s actually played one or two games as well at the senior level and has come through our U20 programme. So, they have that experience in their own right.”
The coach’s assessment underscores a broader point about the programme’s development: professional contracts are increasingly available to Jamaican players, but international exposure and progression through the youth ranks remain important pathways to senior selection.
Selection race remains open
Despite the encouraging performance against Mexico, Busby is not treating the current squad as a settled group for the decisive Concacaf W Championship.
Approximately 40 players remain involved in the wider national programme, with the coaching staff continuing to consider additional candidates as preparations intensify.
Regular online meetings with players outside the immediate squad are helping the technical team maintain communication, explain potential roles and ensure that those who may be called upon remain prepared.
Busby made it clear that the final decisions will not be rushed, despite the importance of the upcoming assignment.
“Nothing’s finalised until that two weeks before,” he said.
The selection process will therefore remain open as Jamaica seeks to balance the experience of established internationals with the competition and depth emerging throughout the programme.
Costa Rica awaits in decisive World Cup test
The Reggae Girlz will face Mexico again on October 13 in Querétaro, providing another opportunity to assess their readiness against strong opposition before turning their attention to the Concacaf W Championship.
Jamaica’s quarterfinal opponent will be Costa Rica, with victory securing a third consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.
The stakes are substantial, but the performance against Mexico has reinforced Busby’s belief that the programme is better equipped for the challenge than it was during its earlier stages.
The seven-goal encounter also demonstrated that Jamaica can produce the attacking quality required to trouble respected opponents while continuing to develop the composure needed to manage difficult moments.
For Busby, the wider progress of the programme remains a central source of encouragement. An expanding professional player pool, greater international exposure and competition for places have helped change the composition of the Reggae Girlz, giving Jamaica a stronger foundation as it pursues another World Cup qualification.
The immediate task is to build on that progress, starting with the return friendly against Mexico, before the team faces Costa Rica with a place at a third successive World Cup on the line.
