With a broad smile and visible pride, Reggae Girlz Head Coach Hubert Busby reflected on his team’s gritty 3-2 victory over Peru, sealing a perfect two-game series sweep at Estadio Miguel Grau in Lima on Wednesday night.
“I couldn’t be prouder. They found a way to get that result over the line, but more importantly, they showed the resilience to finish off that match,” Busby declared, highlighting the significance of his squad’s determination and team spirit.
The match was a showcase of attacking brilliance, youthful energy, and unwavering defensive grit, as Jamaica stormed to an early 3-0 lead, only to withstand a fierce Peruvian comeback in the second half.
Jamaica’s early domination
Determined to build on their 2-0 win in the first match, the Reggae Girlz wasted no time imposing their authority. In the sixth minute, Naya Cardoza made an unforgettable mark, redirecting a pinpoint cross from Siobhan Wilson into the net, registering her first international goal.
The momentum continued in the 19th minute, as Reanna Blades—who plays for Burnley in England—fired a stunning shot from the left flank into the far corner, also netting her maiden goal for Jamaica.
Peru barely had time to regroup before Tiffany Cameron extended the lead in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on a goalkeeping error to slot home her eighth goal for Jamaica.
With the score at 3-0, the Reggae Girlz looked poised for a commanding victory, but the hosts had other plans.
Peru strikes back as Jamaica’s defence holds firm
Peru clawed their way back into contention in the 35th minute, when Birka Ruiz fired a precise shot past goalkeeper Liya Brooks into the far corner.
The hosts nearly halved the deficit just before halftime, when they were awarded a penalty in the 45th minute. However, Brooks, showcasing her shot-stopping prowess, dived low to deny Geraldine Cisneros, preserving Jamaica’s two-goal cushion heading into the break.
Peru’s resurgence continued early in the second half, as Alondra Vilchez produced a moment of brilliance in the 54th minute, turning on the edge of the 18-yard box and firing a half-volley past Brooks to make it 3-2.
With the game tightening, Busby’s squad leaned on their experience and defensive discipline, weathering waves of Peruvian pressure in the closing minutes.
A step forward for the Reggae Girlz
Reflecting on the hard-fought win, Busby credited his team’s unity and resilience in navigating a tough contest.
“Credit to Peru—they gave us a really tough game. We got off to a great start, but we had to manage the game over the line,” Busby remarked.
The head coach emphasized the importance of these friendly matches in integrating young players into the senior team.
“Some of these players have really stepped up and put themselves in contention moving forward. That’s exactly what we wanted to see,” he said.
Busby also praised his senior players for their leadership, noting that their mentorship was crucial in guiding the younger talents through a pressure-filled match.
“The group is really important, and our superpower is our unity and ability to stay resilient through trying times,” he added.
Mexico awaits
With the series sweep in the books, the Reggae Girlz now turn their attention to two upcoming friendly internationals against Mexico on April 5 and 8 in Kansas City and Houston.
Having extended their winning streak to four games, Busby’s squad will look to build on this momentum as they continue their preparations for future international competitions.
For now, though, the Reggae Girlz can celebrate a job well done—a series sweep, new stars rising, and a growing sense of belief in the team’s ability to compete and triumph on the international stage.
