Reggae Boyz urged to find extra gear for DR Congo decider

TWO top local coaches and one Jamaica Premier League general manager were far from impressed with Jamaica’s overall performance in the 1-0 win over football minnows New Caledonia last Thursday, and they have called for a better display against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in tomorrow’s do-or-die clash for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Former Boys’ Town and Humble Lion coach Andrew Price said the important thing was the victory, but added that the Reggae Boyz must show more quality in attack and more discipline and organisation in defence against DR Congo tomorrow.

“The team didn’t play particularly well but they got the job done. One goal was enough, but I believe we should have pressed home the initiative after we got that goal, and we simply didn’t take the game to them.

“Second half, we were better with the introduction of Bobby Reid, as we started to press forward offensively. We had a couple chances but it wasn’t to be, but it’s mission accomplished,” he commented.

“Now, it’s on to the final game. It’s a play-off. It’s a high stakes game and both teams want to win. When we get the opportunities we have to be very clinical as it might take one goal to win the game.”

Nevertheless, Price believes that if they play their cards right they can get the result they desire.

“You have to be in it to win it, and I believe if we go out and play how we are capable of playing, with an improved impetus, we can get a [positive] result.

Harbour View General Manager Clyde Jureidini said although the performance was not much to write about, the team got the win, which was the essential thing.

“It (game) was not a confidence builder but my focus was, and I think it was the team’s focus, to get the result.

“There was not much fluency as we have come to expect from the Reggae Boyz, especially with the lack of training time and cohesion and three players coming into the team. So, a good result, good execution, not a confidence booster; but we progress,” he said.

Nevertheless, Jureidini thinks the Boyz will raise the level of their game to match the DR Congo tomorrow and that a win is not beyond them.

“I would expect a much higher-quality game. I have seen them (DR Congo) play once and I expect a higher quality from them, and I would expect a higher-quality game from our Reggae Boyz.

“This was always going to be the decider. In that game (versus New Caledonia) we were favoured to win. But in this game, DR Congo will be the favourites, so we have to raise our game all round to get another result.”

Former national under 20.and Chapelton Maroons coach Donovan Duckie also thought the most important thing was getting the win on Thursday.

However, he strongly believes they must improve in front of goal and sort out the defensive vulnerabilities that were noticeable in Thursday’s game.

“One of the most important things in football methodology is analysis. Analysis of opponents, analysis of yourself.

“Even before the game, I thought we could be aggressive at the start with our press; also, allow them to play from the back and catch them in transition. And as the game started we were aggressive immediately, and I thought we did our homework,” Duckie said.

“However, we were dismal in front of goal. The finishing was poor, and we were a little suspect at the back. They caught us out about two to three times, where they broke our lines. Twice they tried to lob Andre Blake (goalkeeper), and twice they tried to break away. If this was a quality team like the one we are going to face, we would be in a lot of trouble. So it’s important that we fix those.”

He stated that in tomorrow’s game the team has to be more disciplined defensively, establish a line of confrontation, handle the ball well and be explosive when the need arises.

“They have good runners and have all the characteristics in their attack to play on the front foot. So we will have to be mindful of their transition when we play high, but we must not sit too much in a low block.

“We will have to sit and see what they have to offer and try to catch them in transition, but I love the intensity of the team. I believe the player profiles fit the profile of the coach, and the players selected are players who play in transition back and forth and press.

“The Congo team has quality. They have players playing in the English Premier League, the French Ligue One and all over Europe. It will be a much tighter game. I hope the element of luck is on our side,” he declared.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com