JAMAICA’S Head Coach Dane Chambers always backed his young Reggae Girlz’ chances of springing a surprise at the Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship in the Dominican Republic but the performance against powerhouses Canada in Thursday’s Group F top-of-the-table clash has added impetus to his belief.

Though they were always expected to play second fiddle to Canada, the Jamaicans demonstrated grit and resilience in holding the North Americans to a 1-1 scoreline.

Natoya Atkinson, sister of Reggae Boy Dwayne “Busy” Atkinson, continued her rich scoring form by putting the Jamaicans ahead, before substitute Renee Watson hit back to earn Canada a point. Atkinson is Jamaica’s top scorer at the tournament with three goals in as many games.

Despite not getting the upset victory he anticipated, Chambers was full of praise for his players and the manner in which they conducted business.

“I very happy with the performance, even though we wanted to win the game. I couldn’t have asked for a better showing from the girls,” Chambers told the Jamaica Observer.

“It was a very tough game. But, the girls not only stood tall and held their own defensively, but they also showed what they are capable of from an attacking perspective. I’m very proud of the girls,” he added, while also lauding his technical staff for the behind-the-scenes work.

While confident that the result against Canada could be the starting point of what may be successful run at the business end of the tournament for the young Jamaicans, Chambers pointed out that they will by no means get carried away.

“When you look at the team organisation, discipline, commitment and the level of concentration the girls showed, I can only hope this draw will be a catalyst for us to get good results for the rest of the tournament,” he said.

“But at the same time we remain humble and hungry and will stick to our hard work as we take it game by game — because anything can happen in football,” Chambers noted.

Having never qualified for a World Cup at this level, Chambers’ side is currently on course to surpass expectations at these qualifiers. Jamaica’s best attempt at this tournament was a fourth-place finish in 2013.

By virtue of placing second in the group behind Canada by way of goal difference, after both teams ended on seven points each, the young Reggae Girlz will face Cuba in the round-of-16 contest on Sunday for a spot in the quarter-finals.

The tactician is confident that with continued belief and hard work, his team can go beyond the remaining hurdles and secure one of the three spots to the 2022 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in India in October.

“We know it will be tough but, as I said before, this team can rise to the occasion and overcome any obstacle placed before them.

“The mood is right, the team is in high spirit[s] and we are still upbeat about our chances of beating Cuba and others, who I am sure will make some tactical adjustments,” Chambers ended.