Young Girlz in must-win against Panama
It is pretty straightforward. If you win, you will progress to the Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship, but if you lose, you will be sent home.
This is the dilemma that Jamaica’s Under-17 women’s squad will confront today in the second and final game of their Group E meeting in the Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers against Panama.
Sabina Park will host the game at 4:00 pm.
The Concacaf Women’s Under-17 tournament serves as qualifier to the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
In the first game on Friday, August 25, Olivia Ashbourne converted a penalty in the 40th minute to secure a 1-1 tie with Panama. This came after Alison Onodera’s magnificent 30-yard free kick gave Panama the lead in the 11th minute.
Hugh Bradford, head coach of the young Reggae Girlz, says that while the girls played well, he wants them to take use of their goal-scoring opportunities in this vital encounter.
“I thought they [young Reggae Girlz] did well. I was pleased with their performances but we need to finish our goal-scoring chances,” Bradford told the Jamaica Observer.
“What impressed me most about the girls’ efforts, is the way they completed the passes. That’s a good thing and now going into the final game, I am expecting them to give 100 per cent. We are leaving everything on the field,” Bradford added.
The six group winners will join the top-two nations Mexico and the United States, who have been seeded directly into the championship’s group stage.
