分类： sports

As Jamaica’s senior women’s football team, the Reggae Girlz, prepare to face Trinidad and Tobago in a highly anticipated friendly match on October 28, Head Coach Hubert Busby is optimistic about the game’s significance. The encounter, set to take place in Trinidad and Tobago, is seen as a critical preparatory step ahead of next month’s Concacaf Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. Busby emphasized the importance of the match, citing the historic rivalry between the two Caribbean teams as a guarantee of a competitive and intense showdown. ‘This match will be competitive because of the rivalry,’ Busby told the Jamaica Observer. He added that the team is looking forward to four days of focused training and a match that will help refine their skills. While Busby acknowledged limited knowledge about Trinidad and Tobago’s current squad, he expects a well-coached team with a blend of experienced veterans and emerging young talent. Beyond tactical preparation, Busby views the friendly as an opportunity to strengthen team chemistry both on and off the pitch. ‘It will be great to reunite the team again to continue building team chemistry,’ he said. Tactically, the match will serve as a platform to develop the team’s playing style and clarify player roles. Busby also hinted at introducing new tactical elements, though he stressed that the players’ adaptability will determine their long-term adoption. Physical preparation remains a priority, with Busby ensuring players are well-rested and recovered between sessions. The squad includes promising young talents Njeri Butts and Jaileah McPherson, who have risen through Jamaica’s youth system and are eager to make an impact. The Reggae Girlz, who qualified for the last two FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2019 and 2023, are now setting their sights on the 2027 tournament in Brazil. The team’s roster features a mix of experienced players and rising stars, including goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer, defenders Allyson Swaby and Konya Plummer, midfielders Atlanta Primus and Vyan Sampson, and forwards Kayla McKenna and Jody Brown.

In a significant development for the West Indies cricket team, Akeal Hosein and Ramon Simmonds have been drafted into the squad as replacements for the ongoing One-Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh. The decision was announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Monday, following injuries to pacers Jediah Blades and Shamar Joseph. Blades, a 23-year-old left-arm medium pacer, has been sidelined due to a stress fracture in his lower back, ruling him out of the remaining matches and the subsequent tour of New Zealand. He will return home for rehabilitation. Meanwhile, Joseph, who missed the previous tour of India, experienced shoulder discomfort during the first training session ahead of the series opener. After a medical scan, he has been advised to consult a specialist in England to begin his recovery. Simmonds, 24, who recently debuted in the T20I series against Nepal, will bring fresh energy to the squad after taking four wickets in two matches. The West Indies currently trail the three-match ODI series 0-1 after a 74-run defeat in the opening match. The second ODI is set to commence on Tuesday, with the final match scheduled for Thursday.

In a groundbreaking moment for one-day international (ODI) cricket, the West Indies achieved a historic milestone by bowling a full 50 overs of spin in their second ODI against Bangladesh on Tuesday. This unprecedented strategy, combined with a thrilling super over, secured a narrow victory for the visitors, leveling the three-match series at 1-1. The match, held in Mirpur, saw a total of 92 overs of spin, setting a new record for the highest number of spin overs in an ODI, surpassing the previous record of 78 overs. The West Indies’ decision to field five spinners—Gudakesh Motie, Alick Athanaze, Akeal Hosein, Roston Chase, and Khary Pierre—paid off as they restricted Bangladesh to 213 for seven wickets. The West Indies mirrored this total, finishing at 213-9, before clinching the win with 10 runs in the super over. This marked the first time in ODI history that a team bowled exclusively with spin for the entire innings, eclipsing Sri Lanka’s 1996 record of 44 overs of slow bowling. The tactic was particularly striking for a team historically renowned for its fast-bowling prowess. Bangladesh, opting to bat first, relied heavily on their spinners, with Mustafizur Rahman being the only pace bowler used. The match’s outcome underscores the evolving dynamics of cricket strategies and the West Indies’ adaptability in modern-day cricket.

In a dominant display, Manchester City secured a 2-0 victory against Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the league phase. The match, held at Estadio de la Ceramica, saw Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva score crucial first-half goals, solidifying City’s control over the game. Haaland, the Norwegian sensation, extended his remarkable goal-scoring run to 12 consecutive matches across club and international fixtures, amassing an impressive tally of 22 goals during this period. Manager Pep Guardiola made strategic changes to the starting lineup, resting Phil Foden among others, as City ended a year-long drought of away wins in European competitions. Rico Lewis, City’s young talent, praised Haaland’s relentless drive and work ethic, emphasizing the team’s ambition to win the tournament. Despite Villarreal’s attempts to regain momentum, City’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma making key saves in the latter stages. The only setback for City was an injury to midfielder Nico Gonzalez, adding to their midfield concerns with Rodri Hernandez already sidelined. Overall, City’s performance showcased their depth and determination as they continue their pursuit of Champions League glory.

PORTLAND, Jamaica — The 41st edition of the Port Antonio Canoe Tournament commenced on Tuesday morning at the Ole Marina in Portland, albeit with a delayed start due to unfavorable weather conditions. Despite the challenges, the event drew significant participation, with 68 boats registered, including a strong contingent from St Mary. Daney-Ann Thomas, President of the Portland Chamber of Commerce, expressed optimism about the tournament’s outcome, acknowledging the resilience of the participants. ‘The weather may impact the results, but these canoe fishermen are professionals who eagerly anticipate this annual event. It’s our way of honoring their decades-long dedication to their craft. I’m excited to see what they bring in,’ she remarked. The fishing competition is set to conclude at 4:00 pm, followed by an awards ceremony. Yamaha serves as the primary sponsor for the event. Additionally, the 62nd Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament and the Sir Henry Morgan Anglers Tournament are scheduled to begin on Thursday, further enriching the week’s maritime sports activities.

Portmore United secured a commanding 4-1 comeback victory against Harbour View in their Jamaica Premier League clash at Waterhouse on Monday, propelling them to sole possession of second place in the league standings. The win elevated Portmore to 18 points, just four points behind league leaders Montego Bay United. Harbour View initially took the lead in the 27th minute through Trayvone Reid’s third goal of the season, but Portmore equalized eight minutes later. Marques Reid’s 62nd-minute strike put Portmore ahead, and late goals from substitutes Ramone Howell (88th minute) and Orlando Russell (90th minute) sealed the emphatic win. In the second game of the doubleheader, Tivoli Gardens, despite being reduced to 10 men, edged Arnett Gardens 2-1 to break into the top six for the first time this season. Denville Watson opened the scoring for Tivoli in first-half stoppage time, but Shai Smith equalized for Arnett in the 53rd minute. After Anthony Nelson’s 71st-minute red card, Kimarley Smith’s stunning long-range effort in second-half stoppage time secured the victory for Tivoli, ending their three-game winless streak and marking their first back-to-back wins of the season.

In a stunning display of attacking prowess, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) demolished Bayer Leverkusen 7-2 in the Champions League on Tuesday, despite both teams finishing the match with 10 men. The defending champions showcased their depth and resilience, with Ousmane Dembele marking his return from injury with a goal just three minutes after coming on as a substitute. The French forward had been sidelined since early September due to a hamstring injury. PSG’s Desire Doue netted a brace, while Willian Pacho, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, and Vitinha also found the back of the net at Leverkusen’s BayArena. PSG coach Luis Enrique emphasized the team’s ambition, stating, ‘We are a team that always wants to win everything. This season, we want to win everything again.’ Leverkusen’s Aleix Garcia scored both of the hosts’ goals, but their efforts were overshadowed by defensive lapses and disciplinary issues. Captain Robert Andrich was sent off for an elbow to Doue’s jaw, while PSG’s Illia Zabarnyi received a red card for conceding a second penalty. Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand acknowledged the gulf in quality, admitting, ‘We met the best team in the world right now.’ Despite PSG’s injury struggles and inconsistent form this season, they demonstrated their championship pedigree, overwhelming Leverkusen with a relentless attacking display. The match highlighted PSG’s determination to defend their European crown, even as they face tougher challenges ahead.