Perfect Girlz

The Reggae Girlz booked their spots in the Concacaf W Championship after finishing atop Group B of the Concacaf W Qualifiers with a perfect record after a 2-0 win over Guyana yesterday at the National Stadium.

Skipper Khadija Shaw found the back of the net in the eighth minute of the contest, while Shania Hayles book-ended the scoring in the 88th.

Despite the close scoreline, it was all Jamaica on the night as the Girlz controlled proceedings from kick-off to the final whistle.

In fact, Jamaica’s grip on the game was so strong, they limited Guyana to just two shots on the night, neither of which were on target.

The Girlz recorded 36 attempts on goal, 16 of which were on target, but a combination of poor shooting, a disciplined Guyanese defence and an impressive performance from Guyanese goalkeeper Arden La-Rose kept the scoreline respectable.

Shaw opened the scoring within the first 10 minutes of the contest in what has become a trademark finish for the prolific forward.

Prowling at the back post, Shaw rose highest in the box to turn in a corner from the boot of Deneisha Blackwood.

The Girlz spent most of the night crafting opportunities that all went abegging.

Shaw, picking up the ball from 30 yards out, skipped past one marker and let loose a low-driven effort from distance that crashed off the far post.

Kalyssa Van Zanten had a similar effort, this time at the top of the box, but her shot was stymied by La-Rose between the sticks for Guyana.

The second half went along the same lines, this time with Trudi Carter breaking through down the right flank but her effort rippled the wrong side of the netting.

The Girlz poured on the pressure and finally found release with two minutes left on the clock.

Shaw played in substitute, Vyan Sampson down the left, who found fellow substitute Hayles unmarked in the box.

With only the keeper to beat, Hayles found the back of the net with a well-taken header that had the goalkeeper beaten for pace.

Sampson’s attempt in time added summed up the night, as she dismissed her marker with a tidy cutback, but at the decisive moment, sent her shot high over the crossbar.

With the win, the Girlz finish atop Group B with a maximum 12 points from their four games.

Nicaragua finished second in the group with nine points, three ahead of Guyana, third with six.

Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica finished fourth and fifth, respectively, both with one point but Antigua holds the advantage with a better goal difference.

The Girlz will continue their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup as they turn their attentions to the Concacaf W Championship.

The W Championship, set to be played in November later this year, will serve as the qualifying tournament for the Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com