JAMAICA’S young Reggae Girlz are scheduled to take on Honduras tonight in a crucial Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers match.

With a direct spot to the next round on the line and the chance of taking a step closer to their World Cup dream, Head Coach Marlon Hylton is optimistic, emphasising the team’s improvement and consistency.

The match is scheduled for the Stadion Guillermo Prospero Trinidad in Oranjestad, Aruba, at 7:00 pm Jamaica time.

The Jamaicans are currently second in Group D on seven points — two points behind leaders Honduras (nine points). The Girlz ended 1-1 against Guyana but recorded victories over Aruba (2-0) and St Vincent and the Grenadines (5-0).

The six group winners and the best two second-place teams will advance to the Concacaf Women’s Under-17 qualifying final round.

“The approach will be disciplined and focused,” Hylton told the Jamaica Observer. “Honduras is a strong and organised team so we must be sharp defensively and more ruthless in attack. Our expectation is to compete at a high level and execute our game plan.

“We believe we are in a good position. The players have shown consistency and growth, and if we continue to perform with discipline and confidence we give ourselves a strong chance to advance.”

On Thursday an own goal conceded by St Vincent and the Grenadines player Nailah Kydd in minute 38, followed by strikes from Jamaica’s Jaya Lecky (43rd minute), Malayna Caromaya Johnson-Mighty (54th), Kalila Daley (68th), and Shennel Walters (69th), secured a resounding 5-0 victory for Hylton’s team.

He praised the performance, highlighting the Reggae Girlz’s control of the game and creation of numerous scoring opportunities.

“It was a very positive performance,” Hylton said.

“We created a lot of chances, controlled the game, and kept a clean sheet. The main area for improvement is being more clinical in front of goal. With over 30 shots, we want to be more efficient as we prepare for a tougher test against Honduras,” he stated.

Hylton noted the importance of momentum but stressed the need for his team to remain grounded.

“Being unbeaten builds confidence and belief within the group — it shows the progress the team is making — but we remain grounded. Momentum is important but our focus stays on continuous improvement and taking each game as it comes,” he ended.