Hosts Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago got off to winning starts after victories over The Bahamas and Guyana, respectively, as the Under-17 women’s Caribbean Football Union (CFU) World Cup final-round qualifiers got under way yesterday at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.
Jamaica had to dig deep to overcome the stubborn Bahamians 2-0, while Trinidad and Tobago easily brushed aside Guyana 8-0.
Jamaica’s chief goal-getter, Shantell Thompson, opened the scoring for the Reggae Girlz in the ninth minute, but the local supporters’ nerves were not settled until the 89th minute when vice-captain Khadija Shaw netted again.
Diarra Simmons netted a four-timer for the twin-island republic, scoring in the ninth, 43rd, 88th and 89th minutes. Marlique Asson (second), captain Anique Walker (17th), Khadisha Debesette (47th) and twin sister Khadisha Debesette (71st) were the other scorers, as Trinidad and Tobago routed the Guyanese.
Jamaica dominated possession for much of their game, but poor decision making in the final third resulted in them failing to convert their advantage into clear goalscoring opportunities.
Nervy moments
The Bahamas were not willing to roll over, and though their attacks were few, they did cause the Jamaicans some nervy moments.
Jamaica’s head coach Vin Blaine had a lot of praise for The Bahamas’ team, which pushed his charges to the wire.
“Definitely a hard-fought game, not what we had expected … hats off to Bahamas, they played a very good game, but I think we stuck in there and defended well,” Blaine expressed.
“I think we made some bad choices in front of goal, but I am glad for the 2-0 victory,” he added.
Jamaica will next face Guyana at the same venue tomorrow in a 6 p.m. encounter which will be preceded by a 3 p.m. meeting between Trinidad and Tobago and The Bahamas. The Reggae Girlz will close out against Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday at the Harbour View Stadium, with kick-off also set for 6 p.m., following the 3 p.m. meeting between The Bahamas and Guyana.
-Gleaner
