Knock knock
Busby takes serious look at young Girlz after 3-2 win over Peru
Published:Thursday | February 27, 2025 | 12:11 AM
REGGAE GIRLZ coach Hubert Busby Jr said a number of young, up-and-coming Reggae Girlz have staked a claim for future selection after outstanding performances in their second of two friendly matches against Peru in the South American country yesterday.
The Reggae Girlz completed the double over the Peruvians after a 3-2 win in their second friendly international at the Estadio Miguel Grau yesterday.
The Hubert Busby Jr-coached-team led 3-1 at the break through goals from Naya Cardoza, Reanna Blades, and Tiffany Cameron.
Burka Ruiz pulled a goal back before halftime, and Alondra Vilchez got another nine minutes into the second half.
Busby admitted that getting a result is always important and praised both the young and senior players for seeing out the game.
“The prerequisite is always to get a result. But it is the performance and finding a way to win. Credit to Peru. They gave us a really tough game. We got off to a really good start, but we had to manage that over the line,” he said.
“Credit for the players and credit to the staff for finding a way to get the result. But most importantly, we were able to give the young players some valuable experience.”
“It is a little bit disjointed when you have players coming in for the first time, players making their debut and the nerves that go along with it.
“I can credit some of the senior heads for being able to manage it and help the young ones through. But overall, these two games prove valuable for us, and we hope these players gain [from] the experience.”
He continued, saying that a few young players have knocked on the door and that the coaching staff would have them in their thoughts going forward.
“Some of these players have asked some questions and put themselves in contention going forward, and in the end, that’s what we want to see - our players coming through - and credit to all of them. They had a really good week. We want to make sure they have a pathway into the senior team, and that’s why we play these games,” he stated.
The visiting Reggae Girlz, who won the first match 2-0 on Sunday, opened the scoring after six minutes when Cardoza nodded home from a corner at the backpost.
The home team threatened to pull an early goal back, but goalkeeper Liya Boooks kept them at bay with some excellent saves.
Blades added a second in the 19th minute after her deflected shot beat the Peruvian custodian to put the Girlz 2-0 up.
The Girlz made it 3-0 after 22 minutes when Cameron capitalised on some poor defending to slot into an empty goal.
Ruiz gave the hosts some hope when she scored 10 minutes before the half. And Vilchez increased the chance of a comeback with another goal in the 54th minute.
However, the Girlz held on to secure four wins from their last four friendlies.