It may just be a friendly contest on this occasion, but much like it was when they met at the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup in France, senior Reggae Girlz Assistant Coach Xavier Gilbert is expecting no favours from hosts Australia in their final Cup of Nations fixture.

In fact, much like it was then, when Jamaica got a historic first goal at the global showpiece in that 1-4 loss, Gilbert is optimistic that the Girlz can produce their best performance against the Matildas.

The two are scheduled to meet Wednesday to bring the curtains down on the Cup of Nations tournament at the Newcastle International Sports Centre.

Kick-off is 3:10 am Jamaica time.

Though the 44th-ranked Girlz are expected to struggle against Tony Gustavsson’s number 12-ranked Matildas, Gilbert reiterates that the encounter will provide another much-needed test as the Jamaicans step up preparation for a second-consecutive World Cup appearance down under this summer.

The Girlz, who lost the opening game 0-3 to seventh-ranked Spain and were edged 2-3 by 28th-ranked Czech Republic, are at the foot of the four-team standing without a point.

“The ladies are good, still a little disappointed that they didn’t get something out of the game against Czech, but that is understandable and also good because they know that they could have done better and can do better.

“This contest will be another tough challenge because Australia have some quality players and they are at home so we know what to expect but we are up to the challenge and more importantly, looking to make continued progress,” Gilbert, one of two assistants to Head Coach Lorne Donaldson, told the Jamaica Observer.

“At the end of the day, we are here not only to assess players but to build on our competitiveness and also improve in certain areas, and so this game presents another opportunity to do so,” he added.

— Sherdon Cowan