分类： sports

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, are set to face Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in a crucial World Cup qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium today at 7:00 pm Jamaica time. This penultimate match could significantly bolster Jamaica’s chances of securing a spot in the upcoming World Cup.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — Former national defender Tyrone Marshall has expressed optimism about Jamaica’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign but emphasized the need for unwavering focus as the Reggae Boyz approach their decisive final matches. The team is set to face Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) in their penultimate qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium today at 7:00 pm Jamaica time. Marshall, renowned for his spectacular long-range goal in a 1-0 victory over T&T during the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, shared his insights following Jamaica’s inconsistent performance in recent matches. Speaking to the Jamaica Observer, Marshall highlighted the significance of this week’s games, stating, ‘It’s a big week for the Reggae Boyz.’ Jamaica’s campaign began strongly in September with a 4-0 win against Bermuda and a 2-0 victory over T&T. However, their momentum faltered in October with a 2-0 loss to Curaçao, though they rebounded with another 4-0 triumph over Bermuda in Kingston. Marshall praised the team’s overall progress but critiqued their approach in the Curaçao match, describing it as a missed opportunity. ‘The one hiccup I would say is the Curaçao game. I didn’t think the approach was, ‘Let’s go and take care of business there,’’ he remarked. Currently, Jamaica leads Group B with nine points after four games, one point ahead of Curaçao and four ahead of T&T, while Bermuda remains at the bottom with no points. A win against T&T, coupled with a Curaçao loss to Bermuda, would secure Jamaica’s automatic qualification. However, if both Jamaica and Curaçao win tonight, their fate will be determined in their final match in Kingston on Tuesday. Marshall stressed the importance of urgency and a determined mindset, urging the team to treat the T&T game as a ‘do-or-die’ scenario. He also noted the emotional significance of the campaign, particularly in light of Hurricane Melissa’s recent devastation, which has united the nation and could serve as a motivational force for the team. Marshall expressed confidence in Jamaica’s qualification, drawing parallels to their historic 1997 qualification. ‘I have no doubt that Jamaica should qualify and will qualify,’ he declared, eagerly anticipating the upcoming games and the chance to celebrate with his Jamaica jersey on.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican soccer sensation Shaneil Buckley has officially joined the prestigious Florida State University (FSU) women’s soccer team, a powerhouse in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The announcement was made on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in Buckley’s burgeoning career. Buckley, a former standout at Excelsior High, has already made waves in collegiate soccer during her time at Daytona State College. There, she earned the title of junior college All-American and clinched the winning goal in the 2024 national championship game. Over two seasons, Buckley showcased her exceptional talent by playing in 38 games, starting all but one, and amassing an impressive record of 38 goals and 17 assists, totaling 93 points. At just 20 years old, Buckley has also represented Frazsier Whip FC, a three-time national women’s club champion. Her move to FSU follows in the footsteps of fellow Jamaican Reggae Girl Jody Brown, who enjoyed a successful four-year stint at the Tallahassee-based university. Buckley’s transition to FSU is expected to further elevate her career and contribute to the team’s continued success in NCAA women’s soccer.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, the captain of Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz, has been nominated for the prestigious Marta Award for her exceptional goal in Manchester City’s 2-1 victory over Hammarby in the UEFA Women’s Champions League on November 21, 2024. Shaw’s remarkable performance included two goals, one of which has been recognized as a contender for the award celebrating the most aesthetically significant goal of the year. The match was marred by an incident where Shaw appeared to be struck by an object, prompting UEFA to launch an investigation. Her nominated goal showcased her technical brilliance as she received a pass just outside the penalty area, skillfully evaded two defenders, and fired a powerful shot into the top corner of the net. The Marta Award, established in 2024, honors Brazilian football legend Marta, widely regarded as the greatest female player of all time. Shaw, 28, is Jamaica’s all-time leading scorer across both male and female categories with 57 goals and Manchester City’s top scorer with 67 goals. The award’s nominees include other standout players such as Jordyn Bugg, Mariona Caldentey, and Marta herself, who was nominated for the inaugural award. Meanwhile, the male equivalent, the Puskas Award, also announced its 11 nominees, featuring players like Declan Rice and Lamine Yamal. The winners will be determined through a voting process.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant boost to Jamaica’s World Cup qualifying campaign, Demarai Gray has been reinstated to the Reggae Boyz starting line-up for their crucial Concacaf Group B clash against Trinidad and Tobago. The match, scheduled for Thursday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, marks the second-to-last game in the qualifying series for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Gray, who recently rejoined English club Birmingham City after a two-year stint with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq, had been sidelined for Jamaica’s last two matches due to injury. His return is expected to add firepower to the team’s attack. Joining Gray in the starting XI are Mason Holgate, Jonathon Russell, and Rumarn Burrell, all of whom are making their way back into the squad. Team captain Andre Blake continues to guard the goal, supported by defenders Ethan Pinnock, Richard King, and Greg Leigh. Jamaica currently leads Group B with nine points from four games, closely followed by Curacao, who trail by a single point. Trinidad and Tobago, sitting third with five points, will be looking to close the gap. Jamaica previously defeated Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 in their first-round encounter on September 9th, with goals from Bailey Cadamarteri and Jonathon Russell. Historically, Jamaica has also triumphed in Port of Spain, securing a 2-1 victory in a World Cup qualifier on June 20th, 2001, thanks to goals from Onandi Lowe and Deon Burton. The match is set to kick off at 7:00 pm Jamaica time, with the Reggae Boyz aiming to solidify their position at the top of the group.

In a tightly contested match at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on Thursday, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago played out a goalless draw in their Concacaf final round Group B qualifying round second leg. The first half was marked by intense defensive efforts from both sides, with neither team able to dominate for extended periods. Jamaica, now second in the live points table with 10 points, trails Curacao, who led Bermuda 2-0 at halftime. The Reggae Boyz faced an early setback when central defender Richard King was forced off due to injury in the 30th minute, replaced by Damion Lowe. Despite a disallowed goal by Jonathan Russell in the 39th minute due to a marginal offside call, Jamaica continued to press. Levi Garcia narrowly missed a scoring opportunity in the 25th minute, while goalkeeper Andre Blake made a crucial save in the 35th minute to deny Tyrese Spicer. The match remained deadlocked, reflecting the evenly matched prowess of both teams.