The Reggae Boyz are gearing up for their CONCACAF World Cup qualifier against Dominica on Sunday with a clear objective: securing three more points in their Group E campaign.
Assistant coach Merron Gordon emphasized the team’s determination during a pre-match press conference on Saturday.
The match, set to kick off at 2:00 p.m. (Jamaica time) at Windsor Park, follows Jamaica’s hard-fought 1-0 win over the Dominican Republic at the National Stadium last Thursday. Gordon reiterated the team’s primary goal, stating, “Three points. We’re looking forward to the game. Last game was a tough one, most of the players had their last game a month ago for their club teams, so you know they were kind of rusty. But the most important thing is that we got three points and now we move on to this game.”
Confidence in the squad’s depth and talent
Despite injuries sidelining several key players, Gordon expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and talent. The team’s recent match saw young players stepping up and making significant contributions, showcasing their readiness to fill in for more experienced teammates. “We have a few injuries of some of our main starters, but it was a good opportunity for young players to showcase themselves and I think they acquitted themselves well, especially our changes. We brought in some young players, and they came on and put some life in the game. We had a few more chances and the game could have finished with more than just a goal, but such is football. As I said before, the three points were the most important thing,” Gordon noted.
Dominica, reeling from a 6-0 defeat against Guatemala last Wednesday, will be eager to rebound on their home turf. Gordon cautioned against underestimating their opponents, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football and the added challenge of playing away. “We’re not taking this game lightly. This game is as important as playing any top team in the world,” he explained. “We are the team in the Caribbean that most people want to beat. I’m not looking at the 6-0 game to compare what tomorrow will be like. I know Dominica will come guns blazing. They are at home and want to win back support from their supporters, so I think it is going to be a tough one.”
The Reggae Boyz aim to build on their positive start and maintain momentum as they progress through the qualifiers. Gordon’s focus on discipline, readiness, and respect for every opponent underscores the team’s commitment to their World Cup aspirations.
