Young Reggae Boyz face formidable Haitians in round of 16
Published:Sunday | June 26, 2022 | 12:14 AMLivingston Scott - Gleaner Writer
JAMAICA’S U20 Reggae Boyz square off with Caribbean rivals Haiti in the Concacaf U20 Men’s Championship round of 16 today at 5 p.m. at the Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
The Jamaicans finished third in Group D after a win, a draw and a defeat.
After playing to a 1-1 draw with Costa Rica in their opening encounter, they fell 5-0 to hosts Honduras.
However, in their final group match. they defeated Antigua and Barbuda 2-0 to secure their berth in the knockout stage.
The Marcel Gayle-coached team has netted three goals in three matches but has conceded six, largely because of their drubbing from the hosts.
The Haitians, always a formidable force, drew with Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago and beat Suriname to qualify second in the group behind the Mexicans.
The Haitians have scored seven times in their three games while letting in four goals. They will be boosted by their 0-0 draw with Mexico from their previous match.
A win for the Reggae Boyz would put them in the quarter-finals where they would face either Mexico or Guatemala.
For Jamaica, goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke and Luke Bradley-Morgan have been outstanding in defence. Chad James, Tyler Roberts and Devonte Campbell have also been doing well in the wide areas.
Alexander Bicknell, who played in the 5-0 drubbing and in the 2-0 win, has added some stability to the midfield while Jahmari Clarke and Zion Scarlett, the scorers from the last game, are expected to deliver the goals up front.
Clarke, in particular, has proved a handful for defenders with his size and pace and his ability to hold up the ball.