PANAMA CITY, Panama — Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Captain Horace Burrell, here to watch Jamaica’s must-win World Cup Qualifier against the hosts later today, said he is confident the Reggae Boyz can prevail.

“Looking at the attitude of the players has made me very, very confident. In fact, I have not seen a national team looking so positive in the recent past and therefore this leaves me with all the confidence I would want going into a game like this,” Burrell told reporters on Thursday.

“It is not going to be an easy game, but based on the quality, based on the intensity of training that I saw this [Thursday] evening I’m very positive.”

Match time is 8:30 pm inside Estadio Rommel Fernandez.

Jamaica are third in Group B on four points, behind leaders Costa Rica, who are on 10.

Panama have seven points, while last-place Haiti have only a point.

Jamaica need three points to reel in the Panamanians.

Late last night and into the morning, it is believed that locals orchestrated an attempt to unsettle the Reggae Boyz by beating drums, setting off fireworks and playing loud music just outside the team hotel, but this morning the Jamaican players and staff appeared totally unfazed.

The Jamaicans are set to return home on Saturday ahead of the final group game versus Caribbean neighbours Haiti at the National Stadium on Tuesday, also at 8:30 pm.

Burrell called for home support for the Boyz.

“I say listen, if we are supportive of our team we should support… I’m expecting the stadium to be filled to capacity or near to capacity for the game next Tuesday against Haiti. These players are going to give full hundred and if they give the full hundred we should end up with a victory,” said the JFF boss.

Only the top two teams from each of the three groups advance to the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.

From there the top three teams will seal automatic places to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Sanjay Myers