Young Reggae Girlz aim for top spot
- Under-17s make plans to get one over on impressive Canada- Want easier path to World Cup qualification
Published:Thursday | April 28, 2022 | 12:07 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
JAMAICA UNDER-17 female coach Dane Chambers said the young Reggae Girlz will be aiming for a win and top spot in Group F when they face off against Canada in their top-of-the-table Concacaf Under-17 Women’s Championship clash at the San Cristóbal Panamerican Stadium in the Dominican Republic today at 6 p.m.
Both teams have maximum six points from their two matches and are already assured of a place in the next round, with the top three teams guaranteed to go through.
However, Chambers pointed out that topping the group will pave the way for a much easier road to World Cup qualification.
“We have had already qualified [for the next stage], but if we win the zone it will give us an easier path to the World Cup, instead of coming second or third. “We are now in a position to win the zone and that is what we are looking at,” he said.
The coaching staff wanted to assess the recovery of the girls, who have played two games in four days, to see if they needed to make changes.
He assured they will not be taking any unnecessary risks; but even if there were changes, he was confident in those who will come in.
“We have to bear in mind the recovery process, which has been good, thanks to physios. After training [yesterday], we will know if we will need to make any changes, but we are going out to win the game,” said Chambers.
“We might have to rotate due to fatigue and minor injuries, but we have already qualified and do not want to give away our trump cards in this game and do not have them available for the next game.”
The Canadians defeated Bermuda 5-0 in their match on Tuesday, but Chambers does not think they were convincing and anticipates that their opponents will be wary of them for this match.
CONFIDENT
“I have watched them (Canada) for two games. The first game, they were confident, but I know they have problems regarding injuries. And based on the fact that they did not perform all that well yesterday (Tuesday), I know they must be worried.
“I know they are concerned about us, and we are ready for that game. Every game, we go for a positive result and that hasn’t changed; and tomorrow we are looking for the same from the girls,” he said.
The young Reggae Girlz came from behind to beat hosts Dominican Republic 3-1 on Tuesday. And Chambers believes the character they showed will be evident again when they face Canada.
“They showed that they can work and that they believe in each other, and that when they are down they can come back.
“They are together and they are willing to play for the 90 minutes and that inspires the coaching staff and augurs well for success. I have confidence that they will do it in the Canada game as well.”
Jamaica will need to win the game to progress as Group F winners. Though the young Reggae Girlz have six points, as do Canada, the latter have a +15 goal difference. The young Reggae Girlz have 10 goals for and one against.