‘I GOT EMOTIONAL’

President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Michael Ricketts could not contain his joy after Jamaica’s under-17 Reggae Boyz secured the nation’s third appearance at a FIFA Under-17 World Cup after a 3-1 win over Canada in their decisive Group G match at the Costa Rica Football Federation field yesterday.

Ricketts noted that three teams, two senior women’s and now an under-17 men’s, have qualified for a World Cup final under his watch.

“It’s three World Cup qualifications in eight years, but this is the first men’s one and I must say, I got emotional,” Ricketts told The Gleaner.

“We are just absolutely delighted, and I must congratulate my good friend and coach Wendell Downswell, who seems to have a knock for qualifying U17s.

Downswell was also part of the coaching unit that qualified two under-17 teams to World Cups, first in 1999 and again in 2011.

“The coaching staff was essentially the same. He was the (new) addition, and of course they would have worked and shared thoughts together, and the rest is history. Jamaica is very proud.”

He pointed out that this has been in the making, with the under-14s winning the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Challenge Cup in 2024 and the under-15 championship last year.

VICTORY DEDICATED TO HURRICANE VICTIMS

However, he said the victory is specially dedicated to the parishes and victims devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

“This victory is for Jamaica. We wanted to give western Jamaica, which was devastated by Hurricane Melissa, something to smile about. So this victory is for them.”

He added that the intention is not just to achieve qualification to the tournament, but to go there and make a mark.

“Our U14s and U15s have done well. Now it’s time for the U17s, and we are just absolutely delighted.

“The World Cup will be in Qatar in November and we have some months to give them some exposure. And it’s not just qualifying. We want to make an impression when we go to the World Cup. So congrats to the young Reggae Boyz, to the coaching staff, every director and parish presidents, and let’s see what will happen,” he concluded.

Despite playing on the defensive for most of the game, the young Jamaicans were ruthless in attack, taking the lead through captain Jahmarie Nolan (37th), before Jamone Lyle (53rd) added a second early in the second period.

Canada pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute through a Van Parker penalty.

However, their bid to get back into the game was dealt a blow when Vincente Lourenco was shown the red card after a second bookable offence in the 85th minute.

Jaheem Bennett (90+2) then sealed the win and secured Jamaica spot in Qatar in November.

Jamaica finished atop Group G with maximum nine points, three more than Canada, to gain automatic qualification.

Canada will not have a place at the World Cup since their six points do not allow them a best runner-up spot.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange mimicked Ricketts sentiments yesterday, saying the result “put the country in a great mood”.

“We are so proud of the young Reggae Boyz and coach Wendell Downswell, who was also the coach when the under-17 team qualified for the FIFA World Cup on the two previous occasions,” said Grange.

““Congrats as well to assistant coach Vassell Reynolds and the other members of the support,” said the minister.

“Qatar, here we come.”

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com