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Gilbert blames Reggae Girlz for wastefulness
November 30, 2023
Jamaica's Reggae Girlz had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Panama in their Concacaf League A Group B Gold Cup qualifier at the National Stadium yesterday.
Martha Cox gave Panama the lead from the penalty spot after 34 minutes; however, schoolgirl Shaneil Buckley scored a minute before halftime to ensure the Gilz keep their hopes alive going into the final game against Guatemala on Sunday.
Coach Xavier Gilbert blamed the Reggae Girlz for not being clinical.
"It was a competitive game. Things didn't go according to plan as best as possible. We created some opportunities, but unfortunately, we couldn't get on the scoresheet again.
"We just wanted to ensure we didn't lose tonight. Of course, we wanted the win, but we are still in with a shot," Gilbert said.
In a first half of a few chances, both teams constructed some build-ups but we're lacking in the final third of the field.
Natalie Mills had an excellent chance for Panama in the 30th minute but failed to make contact with the ball, with goalkeeper Serena Mensah at her mercy.
Moments later, Mills was brought down inside the area and Cox converted to put the visitors in front.
Davia Richards had the Reggae Girlz' best chance of the half, but her tame shot presented an easy save for Panamanian custodian Yenith Bailey.
However, the Girlz drew level just before the interval when Buckley volleyed home a right-side cross from Malikae Dayes into the far corner.
The Reggae Girlz had the Panamanians against the ropes at the start of the second half but continued to squander some good openings.
Marlo Sweatman also had a superb chance in the 66th minute, but another weak finish gave Bailey no trouble.
Panama rarely got forward. When they did so on the rare occasion, they did not present much of a threat to Jamaica's goal.
Mikayla Dayes had a great chance in the latter stages to give the Reggae Girlz all three points but could not keep her header on target.
In the end, the teams had to settle for one point.
Panama advanced with seven points as group winners. Guatemala are second with four points, while Jamaica are third with two points.
Jamaica must win their last game against Guatemala to secure the second spot and a place in next year's playoffs.
The three group winners from League A will advance directly to next year's Gold Cup, while the runners-up and three League B group winners will battle for three additional spots during a playoff in February.
