KINGSTON, Jamaica — President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Michael Ricketts, has described the Reggae Boyz 1-0 defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in an inter-continental play-off on Tuesday as “tough,” but stressed that the focus must now shift to rebuilding for future global tournaments.

“I think we really missed the opportunity from the preliminary stages. Things just never went our way. Breaks didn’t come our way. We lost a game in Trinidad. I don’t think we should have lost. We threw away the game after we led for 86 minutes. We came back. We should have won against Curacao. We hit the upright three times and had a penalty that we thought should have been awarded in added time. We took the most difficult route, and it really was tough,” Ricketts told reporters.

He added that, despite coming up short, the team had made the country proud.

“I was told that the goal was actually a handball. Not so sure. I’ll have to look at it. Like I said, we are very disappointed. Four years is a long time, but we have to regroup and restart. We now have to focus on the under-20s, and the senior women still have an opportunity to qualify for two more global tournaments. That’s where our focus is right now, as we try to rebuild and reorganise ourselves,” he said.

Acknowledging the financial and emotional setback, Ricketts emphasised the need to regroup.

“The JFF is in the strongest position it has ever been, best ever in terms of achievement, management, and finances. People have a right to express how they feel, but we are strong, united, and moving forward. We have qualified for three World Cup tournaments in eight years. Missing out on one major tournament naturally comes with pressure,” he added, responding to calls for resignations following Jamaica’s failure to qualify.

Interim Head Coach Rudolph Speid noted that injuries and cramps affected seven players early in the game, forcing tactical adjustments.

“We had issues from early on in the game; at least seven players were suffering from cramps, and based on that, we had to make some changes. But you have to give the guys credit; they stuck to the plan. It’s just one of those simple mistakes that cost us. It’s just luck; part of the game,” he said.

He praised the team’s performance, noting that Jamaica had more corners and created several scoring opportunities.

“If we look at the replay, I probably think the goal shouldn’t have been awarded. A lot went against us. But overall, the team played exceptionally well. We had a game plan and stuck to it. It was a good camp for all the players,” Speid said.

Reflecting on the public criticism, he added, “Of course, I am disappointed. It’s my country, everybody can criticise, a few people stepped up and played their part.”

Responding to calls for him to step down as interim head coach, Speid noted that the decision rests with the JFF board and the president.

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(Video: Joseph Wellington)