Jamaica’s new head coach, Steve McClaren, expressed optimism after the Reggae Boyz have been held to a 0-0 draw by 10-man Cuba of their opening Group A Nations League match on the Nationwide Stadium in Kingston on Friday, highlighting the crew’s efficiency regardless of missed alternatives.
Regardless of enjoying the vast majority of the match with a numerical benefit after Cuba’s Yunior Pérez was despatched off within the forty fourth minute, Jamaica couldn’t discover the breakthrough.
Jamaica had a number of golden alternatives, notably within the first half. Kasey Palmer got here near opening the scoring within the seventh minute with a left-footed volley that narrowly missed the highest nook. Moments later, Michail Antonio’s highly effective header struck the left upright, additional irritating the house aspect.
McClaren, nonetheless, remained upbeat about his crew’s efficiency. “We confirmed good composure and created some good probabilities. It’s disappointing to not get the purpose, however the efficiency provides me confidence going into the following sport. Now we have Honduras on Tuesday, and I’m trying ahead to a constructive end result there.”
Jamaica dominated possession
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Jamaica dominated possession with 73 per cent, taking 21 pictures, seven of which have been on course, however couldn’t convert their probabilities. Regardless of the benefit of enjoying towards 10 males for over 45 minutes, the Reggae Boyz struggled to interrupt down a resilient Cuban protection.
Within the second half, Cuba’s Karel Espino almost capitalized on Jamaica’s lack of ability to attain, sending a free kick simply extensive of the left put up within the sixtieth minute. Jamaica continued to press ahead however didn’t capitalize on key alternatives, together with a missed shot by Shamar Nicholson within the 77th minute and an excellent simpler alternative from Jamal Lowe earlier on.
McClaren acknowledged the missed alternatives however remained inspired by his crew’s total play. “We created sufficient probabilities to win the sport. It’s simply that ultimate contact that eluded us tonight. However total, I’m pleased with how we performed. The crew is gelling properly, and we’ll take that confidence into Honduras.”
The Reggae Boyz, who journeyed to Central America on Saturday night, now flip their consideration to their subsequent Nations League match towards Honduras, with McClaren eager for a greater final result.
Friday Outcomes:
LEAGUE A
- Nicaragua 1-0 French Guiana
(Widman Talavera 90+5) - Jamaica 0-0 Cuba
- Honduras 4-0 Trinidad & Tobago
(Alexander López 39′, Kervin Arriaga 45+2′, Edwin Rodríguez 54′, David Ruiz-Ochoa 86′)
LEAGUE B
- St. Lucia 2-1 Curacao
(Arkell Jude Boyd 24′, Caniggia Elva 55′ / Joshua Brenet 63′) - Grenada 2-0 St. Martin
(Lucas Akins 5′, Regan Charles-Cook dinner 38′) - St. Maarten 2-0 Aruba
(Gerwin Lake 81′, Ronan Olivacce 90+3′)
