Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz have formally booked their place within the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup after a commanding 3-0 victory over St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) at Sabina Park yesterday. The win secured a 4-1 combination overcome the two-leg qualifying tie, a lot to the delight of followers and training workers alike.
Warner Brown set the tone for the house staff within the twenty seventh minute, skillfully driving a deal with earlier than firing previous St Vincent goalkeeper Lemus Christopher. Jamaica continued to dominate possession and created a number of scoring alternatives, although they struggled to transform till late within the match.
With only a minute left in regulation time, Jamaica prolonged their lead as Andrew Johnson inadvertently turned a Leon Bailey cross into his personal web, giving the Boyz a cushty 2-0 cushion. The ultimate nail within the coffin got here in added time when Renaldo Cephas capitalized on a defensive lapse to volley dwelling the third purpose, sealing Jamaica’s Gold Cup qualification in emphatic vogue.
Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren praised his staff’s efficiency, highlighting their improved sport administration in comparison with the primary leg.
“The sport administration from the boys was glorious. From again to entrance, we managed it. We upped the tempo after we wanted to. I name it 90 miles per hour and 10 miles per hour. Within the first sport, we performed 10 miles an hour an excessive amount of. This time, I used to be happy with the stability,” McClaren stated.
Jamaica began the match cautiously, struggling to achieve possession within the opening 20 minutes. Nonetheless, as soon as they discovered their rhythm, they dictated play. Bobby Reid had an opportunity to double the lead earlier than halftime however directed his header straight at Christopher. Cephas additionally spurned a golden alternative after an ungainly first contact allowed the goalkeeper to smother his effort.
After the break, the Boyz pushed for extra targets, with Cephas main a number of assaults down the left flank. Joel Lattibeaudiere and Richard King each got here near including to the tally with close to misses within the fifty fifth and sixty fifth minutes, respectively. Nonetheless, the insurance coverage purpose got here within the 89th minute, courtesy of Johnson’s personal purpose, earlier than Cephas added the of completion in stoppage time.
St Vincent coach Ezra Hendrickson expressed disappointment in his staff’s efficiency, admitting they struggled to search out their rhythm.
“We got here in very assured after doing so properly Friday. Nearly profitable that sport. The mentality and angle and spirits have been excessive. We didn’t begin with a superb circulate. We gave them management of the sport. We had a few headers within the six-yard field that we didn’t convert. However as soon as they received the purpose, they stole the momentum, and it was tough for us,” Hendrickson stated.
With their spot within the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup now secured, the Reggae Boyz will shift their focus to preparations for the regional event, the place they are going to intention to make a deep run and problem for the title.
