Hubert Busby, head coach of Jamaica’s senior women’s football team, credited the Reggae Girlz’s 3-2 win over host Nicaragua in their Concacaf Women’s Qualifiers on Monday to their ability to focus on their strengths and adapt to the challenging conditions of the artificial surface at Estadio Nacional in Managua.

Nicaragua Captain Sheyla Flores put the home side ahead from the penalty spot in the 27th minute, but Jamaican skipper Khadija Shaw levelled the game 10 minutes later.

Shaw struck again in the 58th minute, scoring her 62nd goal for Jamaica in 46 appearances to give the visitors the lead. Shania Hayles made it 3-1 in the 68th minute with her second goal for Jamaica in her eighth appearance. Nuria Marquez pulled one back for Nicaragua in the 82nd minute, but it was too little too late.

The win marks Jamaica’s first victory over a Central American team since July 2023 and saw them take the lead in the points table on goal difference over Nicaragua, who have played one game more.

“We had the utmost respect for the opposition coming into the match, based on their previous results, and we knew that the conditions surrounding the artificial surface would play a factor in the game. With that said, we wanted to focus on the principles that guided our play and ensured we played to our team’s strengths,” Busby told the Jamaica Observer.

Busby said that he was impressed with how his players handled the pressure of the match, particularly after what he considers a questionable penalty call against them early on. He said that the contributions of both younger and senior players worked together to secure a vital win.

“It’s never easy to win road matches, and we know how difficult it is to play against Central American opposition on home soil. We have a core group of experienced players who know what is required.

“For those who haven’t experienced these conditions, I was pleased with their reaction and that of the entire group, given the questionable penalty call to start the match. The players’ reaction and response to the adversity should be commended. I’m also pleased with how our subs and finishers impacted the match,” he stated.

With the win, Busby said that the team is keen to build on the momentum going forward.

“Our focus heading into the next match is to build on our playing principles. As a team, we don’t like conceding goals. Both goals came from restarts, penalty and corner kicks, areas we pride ourselves on defending. As always, we will analyse the match and ensure we address the deficiencies in and out of possession heading into match day three.

“Winning is a habit, so ensuring we obtained the maximum points was the goal, and we achieved it. It provides a platform for us to build on,” Busby explained.

As the top team in the Caribbean, Busby emphasised that the team is aware of the expectations on their shoulders.

“The group has always maintained that pressure is a privilege. This means the expectations we’ve set for ourselves are high. Collectively, we want to maintain high standards on and off the pitch. Our expectations remain the same, and we are committed to improving each and every time we come together as a team,” he concluded.

Jamaica will next play Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana on April 10 and 18, respectively, at home.

BUSBY…it’s never easy to win road matches, and we know how difficult it is to play against Central American opposition on home soil (Photo: Observer file)

Reggae Girlz captain Khadija “Bunny” Shaw (Photo: JFF)