KINGSTON, Jamaica — Reggae Boy Bailey Cadamarteri has issued a heartfelt apology to the nation after Jamaica failed to qualify for the FIFA Men’s World Cup on Tuesday.

The Reggae Boyz were beaten 1-0 in extra time by the Democratic Republic of Congo in their Inter-Continental play-offs at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico.

In a message posted to his Instagram on Wednesday, Cadamarteri expressed both regret and gratitude after the team fell short in their World Cup bid.

“This one is gonna sting for a while, trust me,” he wrote. “I know what this meant to the people of Jamaica and for that I want to not only apologise but also thank you for all the support you’ve shown me as a nation.”

Cadamarteri added that it was difficult to articulate his emotions in the aftermath of the defeat but reaffirmed his commitment to the national team.

“All I can say is I know we will be back & I will always be proud to represent my country and wear the badge by my heart,” he said.

Cadamarteri, who had scored in a previous qualifier against New Caledonia, started Tuesday’s decisive match alongside Ronaldo Webster.

READ: More World Cup heartbreak for Jamaica, beaten in play-off by DR Congo