AFTER Shania Hayles’ goal proved the difference as Jamaica’s women footballers edged the first of two international friendlies against Panama on Friday, Head Coach Hubert Busby praised the young players he “threw into the deep end”.

Busby said the Reggae Girlz, who qualified for the last two FIFA World Cups, began brightly and controlled significant spells in the game before the brutal Panamanian heat became a factor in the 1-o win at Estadio Rommel Fernandez Gutierrez in Panama City.

“We started the game pretty well and we were able to possess the ball and look to exploit them in the areas that we wanted to,” Busby said.

“As the game went on you could tell with players who haven’t played for over a month — those based in Europe — their physical fitness just wasn’t there. That’s why we tried to manage the game with some subs.”

Busby noted that Jamaica had to dig deep against a “very good, well-coached” Panama side that featured at the last World Cup.

“We knew we were going to have to suffer a bit at times with them having possession of the ball, but overall we were able to get the win and get it over the line. At the end of the day we’re here to win football matches by any means necessary. No matter what happens, we have to get ourselves out of this game.

“It’s not just about, ‘You’re from Jamaica so you’re used to it’… [because] where most of our players are based now made it a little bit more difficult. It’s about having your match legs and your lungs. Credit to them, they were able to dig it out and get it done,” explained Busby.

Busby reserved special praise for the debutants who handled the hostile environment and a quality opponent in front of the home crowd.

“I was just really proud. We played a lot of young players today and threw them into the deep end — and for the most part, they swam. I’m just really pleased with those ones making their debuts as well,” the head coach said.

Jamaica and Panama are to meet again on Monday to close the two-match series.

“They might have thought they should have gotten something out of the game so we expect another tough battle. But, that’s what we came here for. We respect our opponents and we will be ready to play as well,” the Jamaica head coach said.

— Ruddy Allen