A match between Jamaica and the United States is usually an interesting and fierce battle on any sporting field; thus, today’s match in the 2024 Concacaf Nations League (CNL) semi-finals is yet another heavyweight confrontation between the two countries.

The game will be played at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, at 6 pm (Jamaican time).

The defending champions, the United States, are aware that they are being targeted, and the senior Reggae Boyz will want to terminate their reign early and maintain their own aspirations of collecting the trophy.

Both teams will be missing players.

The United States’ Sergio Dest is suspended owing to a red card against Trinidad and Tobago in the quarter-finals, while Jamaica’s Demarai Gray and Shamar Nicholson are suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Centre back Ethan Pinnock is also absent through injury.

These sides always play each other hard, and the question today will be who can push through and score the first goal, causing the other team to open up a little. Expect plenty of pyrotechnics because these two teams have history together and may have something to prove.

Jamaica’s journey to the semi-finals has been nothing short of exciting. Following losing 2-1 at home in the first leg of the quarter-finals, Jamaica scored three second-half goals to upset Canada 3-2 in Toronto, advancing via the away goal tiebreaker following a 4-4 draw on aggregate.

The United States had an easier time on their travels. They scored three goals in the last 10 minutes to win 3-0 at home in the first leg, and despite a 2-1 loss to the Soca Warriors in the second leg in Trinidad and Tobago, the United States advanced with a 4-2 aggregate victory.

The United States has won both prior tournaments, defeating Mexico in the first edition and Canada in 2023.

Reggae Boyz Renaldo Cephas, who plays as a winger for Süper Lig club Ankaragücü and made his Concacaf Nations League debut against Honduras on September 8, 2023, said he is always glad to represent his nation and hopes to leave with the title.

“I am happy that I am here to try and make history for Jamaica,” he said. “This would be Jamaica’s first trophy in the National League, and I think with the players’ mindset and mentality, we will do well in this game.”

The United States, rated 13 in the world, has a 19-win, three-loss, and 10-draw record versus the 57th-ranked Reggae Boyz. The US has a six-game unbeaten record against Jamaica, winning five and drawing one. Jamaica last defeated the United States in a friendly match in June 2019, winning 2-1 in Washington, DC.

Reggae Boy Dexter Lembikisa, who plays as a right-back for Scottish Premiership club Hearts of Midlothian on loan from Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers, said that he is looking forward to the clash with the United States.

“I have always enjoyed playing for Jamaica, playing international games against other countries,” he said. “This is another chance to go win something for Jamaica, and so I am looking forward to that.”

The other semi-final match will see 15th-ranked Mexico facing 44th-ranked Panama. The game is set for the same venue at 9:15 pm.

Jamaica Squad:

Goalkeepers – Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union), Jahmali Waite (El Paso Locomotive FC), and Shaquan Davis (Mount Pleasant).

Defenders – Damion Lowe (Philadelphia Union), Michael Hector (Charlton Athletic), Richard King (IBV/ISL), Dexter Lembikisa (Heart of Midlothian), Greg Leigh (Oxford United), Di’Shon Bernard (Sheffield Wednesday), and Tayvon Gray (New York City FC).

Midfielders – Bobby Decordova-Reid (Fulham), Daniel Johnson (Stoke City), Joel Latibeaudiere (Coventry City), Kasey Palmer (Coventry City), Karoy Anderson (Charlton Athletic), and Renaldo Cephas (Ankaragucu).

Forwards – Shamar Nicholson (Clermont/FRA), Cory Burke (New York Red Bulls), Michail Antonio (West Ham United), Demarai Gray (Al-Ettifaq), Jamal Lowe (Swansea City), Bailey Cadamarteri (Sheffield Wednesday), and Kaheim Dixon (Arnett Gardens).