Gilbert, Bender back Girlz

National women's youth team and Excelsior High coach, Xavier Gilbert and former national women's Christopher Bender are confident Jamaica's Reggae Girlz can beat Panama and book tickets to France 2019.

However, both coaches are wary of Panama.

"I think our chances are good against Panama," Gilbert said. "They are very compact in defence, but hopefully we can catch them on the counter, as that is what we have been doing all tournament."

Gilbert added that the Panamanians rested quite a number of players in their semi-final game against Canada, including their 17-year-old star goalkeeper, and will be at their best against Jamaica.

"I'm expecting a tough encounter, but I think the Jamaica team has more talent and I hope that takes it take us to the World Cup," Gilbert added.

"I have been in close contact with Lorne Donaldson and Hue Menzies (coaches) and we all felt the Girlz have a great chance of qualifying for the World Cup. We expect to qualify, but we have to play our best against Panama tomorrow," Bender said yesterday.