Blog

Jul 29, 2023

Panama end U

Jamaica crashed out of the Concacaf Women's Under-17 Championship after going down 0-1 in their second-leg Group E encounter at Sabina Park in Kingston on Sunday. The teams had played out a 1-1 result

Jamaica crashed out of the Concacaf Women's Under-17 Championship after going down 0-1 in their second-leg Group E encounter at Sabina Park in Kingston on Sunday.

The teams had played out a 1-1 result in the first match on Friday.

Analia Arosemeria breached the Jamaican backline in minute 38 and slotted past Sajane Anderson in goal.

Panama join the five other group winners and seeded teams Mexico and the United States in the eight-team Concacaf final round set for next year.

It had always been close to mission impossible for the young Reggae Girlz because of their one-week preparation in comparison to Panama's extensive build-up.

Jamaica Head Coach Hugh Bradford had basically a week with the team, while Panamanian player Veronica Latorraca said they had been in camp for seven months.

When quizzed as to the length of time he had to prepare the team, Bradford said "a week".

"I think six to eight months [would be ideal] because there are so many things you want to do. I am proud of them, any ways," said Bradford.

"I am very disappointed as I think we have something special. We have talent and I believe we should be in every round of the Concacaf.

"The players played very hard. They left it out there. It was a tough game for us and we fell short," he added.

Latorraca, said to be the best English-speaking member of the team, took time out of their celebration to express their delight.

"We have been training so hard for the last seven months. We are so happy because we have been trying all day, every day. This is so amazing," said Latorraca.

The red-clad Panamanians started the brighter and were quicker to the ball which caused Jamaica some anxious moments as the powerful trio of Alison Onodera, Arosemeria and Nailkelys Navarro were proving too hot to handle.

They were having great success down Jamaica's right flank and it was no surprise when the goal came from that side.

A beautiful combination play unlocked the Jamaican defence and Arosemeria was left wide open with only the goalkeeper to beat.

That goal came seconds after Jamaica had a glorious chance to score but Shanieka Young's tame shot was easily gathered.

The young Girlz came into their own in the second half as Olivia Ashbourne and Captain Destiny Powell began threatening the Panamanians.

With time running out, Coach Bradford rung the changes as they searched for a goal to take the game into extra time.

Jamaica's attacks left them exposed at the back on several occasions but alert goalkeeping by Anderson kept them in the game.

Despite their valiant effort, the Jamaicans came up short as the final whistle brought an end to their dreams.

— Howard Walker

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