The Reggae Girlz have a mountain to climb if they are to qualify for the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup after being held to a 2-2 draw with Guatemala in their qualifier at the National Stadium on Sunday.

The Jamaican women found themselves behind in the 28th minute when Guatemala’s Leslie Ramirez’s looping strike went over the head of goalkeeper Aliyah Morgan.

However, the Girlz responded four minutes later as Melissa Johnson got through on goal and slotted home to go in level at the break.

Jamaica started the second half well and were rewarded through a thumping effort from Zoe Vidaurre in the 52nd minute.

The lead, however, was short-lived as Aisha Solorzano broke the offside trap to equalise for the Guatemalans in the 56th.

Interim Reggae Girlz Head Coach Xavier Gilbert was pleased in light of the circumstances surrounding the team.

“We created quite a number of opportunities that should have won us the game but credit to the girls,” he said.

“When we assembled the squad and what we were able to do, how they came out and performed, I have to give them credit . Unfortunately, we didn’t get the desired result, but a point on the board and that’s a start,” he added

Vice-captain Marlo Sweatman was also satisfied with the team’s effort.

“I think it was a decent performance, we got a lot of opportunities which was good. We just need to be able to finish, but as a young team coming on, you just have to be proud of those who showed up and gave their all,” she said .

Davia Richards thought she had put Jamaica 3-2 up in the 66th minute, but her strike was ruled out for a handball.

Minutes later, Alika Keene also had the chance to put Jamaica in front, but her effort hit the post.

Substitute Christina Salmon was one on one with goalkeeper Alexia Estrada in the 79th minute, but Estrada came up trumps as the Girlz had to settle for a point.

Jamaica sit bottom of Group B with one point and two games remaining, three behind Guatemala and five behind leaders Panama. It now means the Girlz have to win their remaining games to have a chance of qualifying.

The Reggae Girlz will host Panama at the National Stadium on November 29 before travelling to Guatemala for their final match on December 3.

Only the group winners will automatically qualify for the Gold Cup, while the runners-up will go into a play-off match in February 2024.