The Reggae Girlz completed their Concacaf W Qualifiers campaign in emphatic fashion, securing a perfect record and top spot in Group B with a 2-0 victory over Guyana on Saturday night at the National Stadium.
With four wins from four matches, Jamaica advanced to the Concacaf W Championship carrying both momentum and authority, underlining their status as one of the region’s most formidable sides.
Captain sets the tone early
It took just eight minutes for Jamaica to stamp their authority on the contest. Captain Khadija Shaw, once again the focal point of the attack, delivered a clinical finish at the back post, rising above the defense to guide home a corner from Deneisha Blackwood.
The goal was emblematic of Shaw’s predatory instincts and immediately set the tone for a night that would be played almost entirely in Guyana’s half.
Despite the early breakthrough, Jamaica’s dominance far outpaced the scoreline. From kickoff to the final whistle, the Reggae Girlz dictated tempo, territory, and possession.
They fired off 36 attempts at goal, with 17 on target, and registered an astonishing 68 touches inside Guyana’s penalty area while controlling 76 percent of possession.
Yet, the flood of chances yielded just one first-half goal, owing to a mix of wasteful finishing, hurried decisions in the attacking third, and a resolute Guyanese defense anchored by an inspired goalkeeper, Arden La-Rose.
Shaw came close to doubling her tally with a powerful long-range strike that rattled the far post, while Kalyssa Van Zanten forced a sharp save from La-Rose with a well-struck effort from the edge of the box.
Second half, same story
The pattern remained unchanged after the restart. Jamaica pressed relentlessly, probing for openings while Guyana absorbed wave after wave of attack.
Trudi Carter threatened down the right flank but saw her effort drift into the side netting, another near miss in a match defined by Jamaica’s dominance without decisive finishing.
Persistence finally paid off in the 88th minute. Shaw turned provider, slipping a pass to substitute Vyan Sampson on the left flank. Sampson delivered a precise ball into the box, where fellow substitute Shania Hayles arrived unmarked to head home Jamaica’s second.
The goal provided the cushion Jamaica’s performance had long deserved and effectively sealed the victory.
In stoppage time, Sampson nearly added a third, weaving past her marker with skill before firing over the crossbar, an effort that neatly encapsulated the night’s theme of brilliance paired with missed opportunities.
Group B standings and what lies ahead
With the win, Jamaica finished atop Group B with the maximum 12 points. Nicaragua claimed second place with nine points, followed by Guyana on six. Antigua and Barbuda edged Dominica for fourth, both finishing with one point but separated by goal difference.
The Reggae Girlz now shift their focus to the Concacaf W Championship in November, which will serve as the qualifying pathway to both the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Teams: Jamaica – Rebecca Spencer, Chantelle Swaby, Amelia Van Zanten, Allyson Swaby, Deneisha Blackwood, Drew Spence, Kalyssa Van Zanten (Shaneil Buckley 79th), Trudi Carter (Shania Hayles 70th), Atlanta Primuc, Solai Washington (Paige Bailey-Gayle 79th), Khadija Shaw
Booked: Chantelle Swaby (50th)
Subs not used: Sydney Schneider, Liya Brooks, Tianna Harris, Vyan Sampson, Kayla McCoy, Natasha Thomas, Kameron Simmonds, Olufolasade Adamoluken
Guyana – Arden La-Rose, Rylee Traicoff, Hope Windebank (Savannah Singh 83rd), Brianne Desa, Otesha Charles (Myanna Fernandes 89th), Annalisa Vincent, Heike Clarke, Savanna Mondesir-Singh (Jalade Trim 84th), Sandra Johnson (Shamya Daniels 70th), Jenea Knight, Stefanie Kouzas (Samantha Banfield 70th)
Booked: None
Subs not used: Deekola Chester, Ludesha Reynolds, Dylana Makarowski, Niomie Williams, Hannah Baptiste, Glengie Lewis, Glendy Lewis
Referee: Vimarest Diaz (Dom Rep)
First Assistant Referee: Santa Medina (Dom Rep)
Second Assistant Referee: Melissa Nicholas (T&T)
Fourth Official: Nathalya Williams (T&T)
Match Commissioner: Rene Parra (Canada)
