MANAGUA, Nicaragua — Crystal Palace defender Adrian Mariappa will lead Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz against Nicaragua in their crucial second-leg World Cup Qualifying play-off in a few hours’ time inside the National Football Stadium here.

Mariappa takes the captain’s arm band in the absence of Rodolph Austin, who did not make it here to Nicaragua after journeying to Mexico in an effort to acquire a Danish Visa in order to continue his professional career in that country.

The rest of the team in a 3-5-2 formation reads Andre Blake in goal, guarded by Alvas Powell, Mariappa and Michael Hector. The five-man midfield is led by Je-Vaughn Watson and newcomer Lee Williamson in the centre, flanked by Kemar Lawrence on the left and Christopher Humphrey on the right with Demar Phillips playing in behind Darren Mattocks and Deshorn Brown.

Jamaica need to win by at least two clear goals, or by one if they score four goals or more. Anything else and their Russia World Cup dreams will be shattered.

Game time is 8:20 pm (Jamaica time).

Ian Burnett