THE XAVIER Gilbert-coached new-look Reggae Girlz will have to put a tough 2-1 defeat to Panama at the Estadio Universitario in their opening fixture of the 2024 Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup qualifiers on Wednesday night behind them as they gear up to face Guatemala in matchday two at the Nation Stadium this evening at 5.
Ahead of today’s assignment, Gilbert said while he was confident that the girls could get a favourable result against the Guatemalans, he’s expecting a tough encounter.
“Yes, I think we can but it’s not going to be easy and it will be a tough encounter. It’s going to be a little bit more pressuring as well and will bring more challenges, but we’ll do our best to make sure that we’re mentally prepared as, at this stage, it’s more mental than anything else,” said Gilbert.
While the mentality is important, there are other areas Gilbert believes the team needs to work on if they are to get it right today.
“I think defensively we have to be smart in terms of our approach and be a little more patient and be more clinical in front of goal whenever any opportunity comes our way,” he said.
Drawn in Group B alongside the pair of Panama and Guatemala, the Reggae Girlz are eyeing their first points of the campaign and Gilbert revealed that that is paramount to get through qualification.
“It’s important that we get something out of the game as that is paramount and that is what we’re focusing on. We have to make sure that we get some points on the table and hopefully that will keep us in the hunt for a spot for the Gold Cup,” he said.
The experiences coach’s scouting report on the Guatemalans points to the danger of their long-range shooting.
“They’re resilient and they have the ability to move the ball as they have players who are willing to take shots from all parts of the field. That’s something that we have to be mindful of and be ready whenever we’re faced with those.”
Guatemala can bring themselves level on points with Panama with a victory on Sunday and will be turning to Ana Martinez for inspiration. Martinez had a brace in that victory in Panama, while Maria Monterroso contributed the other score.
Leslie Ramirez has been active as well in attack with seven shots, and goalkeeper Alexia Estrada made 12 saves and five clearances in the two matches.
Ricshya Walker tallied the lone Jamaican goal on Wednesday night and will no doubt love to add to that total. Davia Richards also enjoyed a solid performance with two shots, while goalkeeper Aliyah Morgan had two saves and two clearances.