Young Reggae Boyz look to wrap up CFU berth

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's Under-17 footballers will be aiming to wrap up their qualification for the second round of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) World Cup qualifiers when they tackle Antigua and Barbuda today at the Waterhouse Mini-Stadium starting at 6 p.m.

The junior Reggae Boyz, who thrashed Bermuda 5-0 in their opening game last Wednesday, will enter today's encounter oozing confidence. They only need to avoid defeat against their opponents to advance to the next phase of the competition.

Antigua and Barbuda, who were beaten by Bermuda 2-1 in the opening match last Friday, will have to score at least six clear goals against the Jamaicans to advance to the next round.

Wendell Downswell, coach of the young Reggae Boyz, said his team will be seeking a comprehensive victory against Antigua and Barbuda.

"We are quite confident and we are also upbeat that we will come out victorious," said Downswell. "The fact that we have won our first game convincingly means the boys are ready and raring to go," he said.

However, Downswell added that they will not be taking their opponents for granted, as they plan to go all out for the victory.

"We are not going to take them lightly," Downswell said. "Every game that we play we intend to improve on our quality because we have put in a lot of hard work in training and hopefully we can become more clinical around the 18 yards box, which will enable us to score some more goals," Downswell stated.

HYDE TO LEAD ATTACK

The Jamaican attack will be led by Jaheel Hyde, who netted a hat-trick in the opening game against Bermuda. Hyde is expected to receive support from his captain, Junior Flemmings, and Michael Seaton, who were the other scorers in Jamaica's opening-game victory. Ryan Miller, I'ishmale Currie and Malique Foster will lead Jamaica's charge in midfield, while Tyshan Hill and Oniel Anderson will marshal the defence.

The top two teams participating in this group will advance to the second round of the CFU qualifiers, which will be held next month.