‘It was frustrating for everybody’

FOLLOWING THE Reggae Boyz scoreless draw against Cuba in their opening game of the CONCACAF Nations League, head coach Stephen McClaren felt the positives of the game were overshadowed by the disappointing result.

Jamaica could not breach the Cuban defence when the teams met on Friday. The result underlined an otherwise dominant performance by the team, who controlled the game from start to finish.

McClaren said the result was frustrating for him and his players to accept as he felt their performance was deserving of a win rather than a goalless draw.

“It was a tough result to take,” McClaren said.

“I always say what were the stats and did we control the game. We had 21 shots, seven on target, we had 73 per cent possession, we controlled the game and if we do those stats every game, then we’ll win more than we’ll lose.

“We created clear chances and on another day, we’ll win that game very easily if we scored early but it wasn’t to be. In the end, it was frustrating for everybody and the fans so I understand.”

The result means Jamaica currently sit fourth in Group B of League A in the Nations League following the other group results.

Honduras lead the group with three points after drubbing Trinidad and Tobago 4-0, while Nicaragua got by French Guiana 1-0 to sit second in the group on goal difference.

French Guiana and Trinidad are rooted fifth and sixth place in the group and could face relegation to League B if they do not turn their fortunes around in the remaining group games.

McClaren will be hoping the Boyz can recover from Friday’s game as they seek to better their third-place finish from the previous Nations League staging.

He said he was impressed by the support of the fans in the stadium and believes their presence can play a part in Jamaica’s home games.

“I thought the fans were fantastic. A great atmosphere before the game and a great atmosphere during the game. They stayed with us and it was great to see so many numbers,” he said.

Midfielder Kasey Palmer also applauded the fan turnout at the National Stadium. He said it was the best home atmosphere he had played in since his Reggae Boyz debut in 2021.

He also said the performance was the best he has seen while wearing the Jamaican shirt and is disappointed the team did not leave with the win.

“I think, for me, it was the best performance we had since I played for Jamaica personally. We dominated the ball but obviously everyone is going to say ‘you didn’t win the game’,” he said. “But I think if we won the game, everyone would say this was the best Jamaica has played in years, especially here at the Office.”

Jamaica’s next assignment will be an away date with group leaders Honduras at the Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés.

Jamaica will be confident against the Hondurans, who they have defeated five times in a row, dating back to 2017.