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The Reggae Boyz open their CONCACAF World Cup qualifying campaign against the Dominican Republic today, and head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has warned them not to underestimate their opponents.
The match, scheduled to kick off at 3:30pm at the National Stadium in Kingston, marks the start of Jamaica’s quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The match was originally scheduled to kick off at 6:30pm to better facilitate office workers to watch the game, but CONCACAF ordered the time change due to insufficient lighting at the venue.
Despite the Dominican Republic’s position of 150th in the world rankings and lack of qualification for major tournaments, Hallgrimsson highlighted the team’s depth and improving tactics under Argentinian coach Marcelo Nevirev. “I think everyone thinks this game will be an easy one for us, but I assure you, it won’t be. It will be a close game,” Hallgrimsson said. “They use different types of defensive and offensive tactics and are very well-coached.”
The strength of the opponent
Hallgrimsson praised the Dominican Republic’s roster of promising young players and experienced veterans, noting their recent success, including qualifying for the Olympics. “They recruited some good players who have played at a high level in Spain and England; so they have quality players as well,” he said. “I expect it will be a tough match.”
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The Reggae Boyz will be without key players including Aston Villa star Leon Bailey due to injuries and absence. Despite this, Hallgrimsson remains confident that forwards Shamal Nicholson and Mikael Antonio will be leading the line. “They are both quality players, so even if they don’t play (much) for the team, I’m not worried because they always do well when they play for Jamaica,” he said.
With regular starters like Joel Rattibodier injured, Hallgrimsson believes that young players like teenage sensation Adrian Reid have a chance to step in. “It’s a chance for him to measure himself against the others and a chance for him to show what he can do and try to add some depth to that position,” he explained.
Center back DeShawn Bernard stressed the importance of starting the season with a win. “Everyone has had a good individual season, so now we can all come together to make a mark for the country. Everyone is excited and can’t wait to get out there and compete,” Bernard said. “As long as I play at my best and everyone else has the same mentality, then no one can beat us.”
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team: goalkeeper- Shaquon Davis, Jaden Hibbert, Koniya Boyce-Clark, Jamari Wait.
Defenders Dexter Lumbikisa, DeSean Bernard, Greg Leigh, Damien Lowe, Michael Hector, Richard King, Tyvon Gray, Gadar Owen.
Midfielder Casey Palmer, Karoy Anderson, Bobby Reid, Daniel Johnson, Alex Marshall, Adrian Reid Jr., Kevin Lambert.
forward- Shama Nicholson, Reynaldo Cefas, Michael Antonio, Deshaun Beckford, Kaheim Dixon, Fabian Reid, Devonte’ Campbell.
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