Xavier Gilbert, the interim head coach of Jamaica’s Senior Reggae Girlz, expressed satisfaction with his team’s conservative 1-1 draw against Panama during their CONCACAF W Gold Cup qualifying match held at the National Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The result has elevated Panama to the top of Group B of the league, amassing seven points from four completed games, giving them a three-point lead over Guatemala, who has played three games. Jamaica currently sits at the bottom of the three-team group with two points, also from three games.
Jamaica was set to depart for Panama on Thursday afternoon ahead of their final match-up on Sunday. The two teams previously played to a 2-2 draw in Jamaica during the October window.
Must win game against Guatemala
To secure a play-off spot for another opportunity at the W Gold Cup tournament, Gilbert’s Jamaican side must defeat Guatemala. Speaking at the post-game press conference, Gilbert stated, “That’s the way it is, and we just wanted to ensure that we didn’t lose tonight [Wednesday], that was our first objective. Of course, we wanted to win, but we are still in with a shot going into the final game.”
He continued, “It was a competitive game. I think things didn’t go according to plan as best as possible, but we created some opportunities, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get on the scoresheet [enough].”
In the early stages, the home side showed more activity, with several crosses from the right flank, but attackers Davia Richards and Melissa Johnson were unable to connect from close range. Panama nearly took the lead when Natalia Mills almost fooled Jamaican goalkeeper Serena Mensah, but Mensah made a crucial save.
Controversial penalty
It was Mills who later ran onto a long pass in the penalty box, challenged by Lauren Reid, leading to the referee pointing to the penalty spot. Captain Marta Cox, who had previously scored at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, calmly converted the penalty in the 30th minute.
Jamaica managed to level the score just before halftime when Shaniel Buckley volleyed home a pinpoint cross from Malikae Dayes. In the second half, Jamaica maintained momentum but appeared conservative in their approach, limiting the number of attackers in the opponents’ penalty area.
Despite chances for both teams, the score remained level. Gilbert took a philosophical view of the game’s outcome, acknowledging the competitive nature of their opponents. He emphasized the importance of scoring goals to secure a victory.
Understanding the dynamics
When asked about the conservative approach at home, Gilbert explained, “We also have to remember that we are in a different dynamic than them, the other two teams [Panama and Guatemala]. We have two games in five days, and each of them just has a one-off game. We have to be smart in terms of our approach and what we do. We couldn’t be erratic and just make substitutions, I know what I’m working with. I understand the dynamics, I understand the situation that we are in now and we’re just going to give it our all on Sunday.
“We have to assess the teams and if you ask me and if you watch both games [against Panama and Guatemala], who do you think would be a better opponent to beat? Certainly, I fancy my chance against Guatemala! We went out for the win but it didn’t happen and we didn’t want to be erratic and throw numbers in front and end up losing the game. It was a close game, and good opposition.”
Captain Chinyelu Asher supported the coaching staff’s approach and expressed confidence in their upcoming match against Guatemala. She noted the growing chemistry within the team and the determination to secure a win.
Won’t take Guatemala easy
“We are not going to take Guatemala easy, they are going to come out strong as well, but I think we definitely have what it takes to get some points there.”
The teams
Jamaica: Serena Mensah, Theanna Burnett, Malikae Dayes, Lauren Reid, Shaniel Buckley (Mikayla Dayes 84th), Chinyelu Asher (Shanise Foster 77th), Marlo Sweatman, Melissa Johnson (Ricshya Walker 90th+1), Njeri Butts, Davia Richards, Israela Grooves
Panama: Yenith Bailey, Hilary Jaen, Wendy Natis (Rebeca Espinoza 43rd), Yomira Pinzon, Marta Coz, Natalia Mills (Katherin Parris 82nd), Riley Tanner (Katherine Castillo 82nd), Carmen Montenegro (Schiandra Gonzalez 59th), Kenia Rangel (Ana Quintero 59th), Aldrith Quintero, Carina Baltrip
Booked: Pinzon (90th+4)
The match officials
- Referee: Melissa Pastrana (Honduras)
- First Assistant Referee: Shirley Perello (Honduras)
- Second Assistant Referee: Lourdes Noriega (Honduras)
- Fourth Official: Merlin Soto (Honduras)
- Referee Assessor: Miguel Hernandez (Mexico)
- Match Commissioner: Patrick Massenat (Haiti)
