Jamaican crowd the highlight of Nations League window – Latibeaudiere

DESPITE BEING put back in touch with Concacaf Nations League A quarterfinal qualification contention with a much-needed away win against Honduras on Tuesday, Reggae Boy midfielder Joel Latibeaudiere still believes the highlight of the international window was Jamaica’s opening draw against Cuba at ‘The Office’.

Jamaica, on Tuesday, recovered from a 0-0 draw against Cuba at the National Stadium, courtesy of a 2-1 win over Honduras inside the Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés, to put themselves top of Group B ahead of their October fixtures.

“It was a successful camp, getting to know the new faces and the coaching staff and everything. It’s a new era for us. I definitely think the high point was playing in front of such a big crowd back in Kingston. They really showed up for us and we really appreciated that massively because at the end of the day, all we want to do is bring glory to the island and to the people back home, so that was really nice,” said Latibeaudiere after the game.

Jamaica lead Group B on four points after the draw and win on four points, the same as Nicaragua, who drew with 1-1 with Cuba on Tuesday after a 1-0 win over French Guiana on Friday.

On Tuesday, Denil Maldonado’s 49th-minute own goal was cancelled out by David Ruiz’s 50th-minute effort, only for Michail Antonio’s penalty in the 76th to send all the points Jamaica’s way.

Honduras are third in the group on three points from their 4-0 hammering of Trinidad and Tobago on Friday, while Cuba are third on two points, stemming from their two draws with Jamaica and Nicaragua. French Guiana and Trinidad and Tobago round out the six-team group with a point apiece.

“And then obviously to come here to Honduras and to win in Honduras and go top of the group, so I would say it was definitely a successful camp,” said Latibeaudiere.

Still, Latibeaudiere believes the Reggae Boyz, under new head coach Steve McClaren, aren’t a finished product by any stretch of the imagination.

“I know there is a lot of improvements to be done but just settling in with the new coaching staff and it’s a new era for us, I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

While acknowledging that work to be done, Latibeaudiere is enjoying the journey.

“I’m loving it. I’m always looking for the fixtures at the start of the season and I always can’t wait to come and represent. It means a lot to me and my family back home. Wearing the national colours, wearing all this new, clean drip [British slang for cool gear], it’s really nice.”

Jamaica next play Nicaragua away before heading back to The Office for an October-14 return against Honduras.