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Reggae Boyz aim to make ‘second chance’ count
March 26, 2026
Jamaica's Reggae Boyz will seek to make the best of their second chance when they tackle New Caledonia in their FIFA Intercontinental World Cup Playoffs football match tonight at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, starting at 10.
Head coach Rudolph said the team is on a mission for redemption, on two fronts, to uplift the spirit of the nation after the devastation by Hurricane Melissa, and failing to secure automatic qualification.
"If you want to know how we feel, last year we had two catastrophic events, one was the hurricane (Melissa) that decimated half the island, the next one was in November in the National Stadium when we failed to qualify straight.
'BIG SETBACKS'
"So we know Jamaicans had two big setbacks and they need something to smile about now. So that is what is on our shoulders and what we are trying to deliver. It is to recognise that we would have failed and if we get a second chance, make use of it," he stated.
The Jamaicans are seen as favourites to win, but team captain Adrian Blake said performance on the day is what matters.
When asked if they are favourites for the contest, Blake said, "That's what people say, but for us it's going out there and putting on a professional performance.
"Football can be tricky. You don't win football games on paper any more. We will have to go out and perform and that's what we intend to do. We have to respect everybody that we play, regardless of the opponent."
"It's more about us right now. We have to approach the game in a very professional manner. Football has changed. You don't just walk on the pitch and win a game, you have to perform. So we have to focus on ourselves and we know exactly what to do and, hopefully, we can win the game," he commented.
GOOD ENERGY
Blake says the spirit and 'energy' is high.
"The energy in the camp is very good and we just want to win these two games. We are looking forward to it. So we have to figure out how to do that and take it from there," he said.
Victory against New Caledonia, would set the Reggae Boyz up against Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the decisive Playoff Final, and Blake revealed that every player in the team is eager and ready to take the first step against New Caledonia tonight.
"We just have to strive to get better every time we get an opportunity. Every time we get a chance to play we want to win the game. So we haven't done anything different from what we have been doing, but we have another opportunity, so, hopefully, we can make it count," he said.
"Every football player wants to play in the World Cup. It's no different for me. We have to win one game and then win one more game and, hopefully, the dream happens," he said.
