PAINFUL though it was, Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz’ 1-3 defeat to the United States in the Concacaf Nations League semi-final match in Texas on Thursday wasn’t all bad.

A number of senior players were missing due to injury and other reasons, creating opportunities for others to prove their worth in a high-stakes game against top regional opponents.

After scoring one minute into the match through Mr Gregory Leigh, the Boyz eventually gave up an inadvertent own goal with mere seconds left in stoppage time. Given the psychological swing there was only going to be one outcome from there — the US scored twice in extra time to seal the Boyz’ fate.

We note the post-match comments from Head Coach Mr Heimir Hallgrimmson which pointed to the team’s “brilliant” tactical execution “given all the absentees” against the hugely talented US team.

He accepted that from an attacking standpoint the Boyz were “not perfect” and had needed “more time” to build chemistry because of the new faces brought in.

He addressed the obvious that the team turned over possession of the ball too easily, giving the United States impetus for wave after wave of attacking pressure which ultimately contributed to the late equaliser.

The Nations League has provided the chance for the coach to continue exploration of options and strategies ahead of the 2024 Copa America, and is valuable preparation for the early phase of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers set to begin this year.

It’s a case of all hands on deck following Jamaica Football Federation’s (JFF) voting congress nearly a week ago when incumbent Mr Michael Ricketts beat his former Vice-President Mr Raymond Anderson.

A unified front is now imperative for the federation as it seeks support from the private sector and the Government to carry the senior men’s programme through the World Cup qualification cycle.

It has been widely lamented that the Reggae Boyz have not qualified for the World Cup since the 1998 edition. This is their best chance yet, with United States, Canada, and Mexico already through to the showpiece by virtue of being co-hosts.

Another three automatic places are up for grabs. Jamaican football fans, players, and administrators must be thinking: If not now, when?

Clearly, every possible course of action must be taken to make World Cup qualification a reality.

Also, JFF must tick all boxes to ensure the senior women’s and other programmes get the required attention to flourish.

We note recent comments by highly rated Mr Leon Bailey who was suspended for the Nations League final stage because he previously broke team curfew. He criticised the JFF’s treatment of him relating to travel arrangements, room accommodation and compensation.

The federation has labelled some of Mr Bailey’s claims as “not entirely accurate”. We believe this is a particularly inconvenient time for such a public spat since the JFF is undoubtedly seeking to build and sustain sponsorship.

That protracted falling out — which we hope is being repaired — between the senior Reggae Girlz and the federation, following the team’s historic Women’s World Cup campaign in 2023, has already done much damage.

JFF must not allow itself to be overwhelmed in putting out fires left, right and centre. Transparent, reasonable yet efficient management and clarity of thought are required more than ever in guiding Jamaica’s football.