September 12 – After a casual start and a 0-0 home draw against Cuba in his first competitive matches in charge of Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, Steve McClaren saw his team secure a crucial win away to Honduras.
The win leaves Jamaica top of their Nations League, League A table on equal points with Nicaragua who they meet next.
McClaren has returned to international management having been part of the backroom coaching staff at Manchester United. He replaced Iceland’s Heimar Hallgrimsson who left to take charge of the Republic of Ireland.
The 2-1 win over Honduras at Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, is a big result for McClaren as he seeks a place in the quarter finals and a shot at the Nations League final four – Jamaica qualified for the final four for the first time this year.
The Nations League also acts as a qualifier for the Concacaf Gold Cup 2025, though exact qualification details have yet to be unveiled.
The Reggae Boyz opened the scoring against Honduras by forcing an own goal from Denil Maldonado in the 49’. Honduras equalised a minute later with David Ruiz finishing from close range.
Michail Antonio restored the lead for Jamaica in the 76’, converting from the penalty spot.
Jamaica face Honduras again in their final League A match in October at home, and depending on the result against Nicaragua, could need a second win over the Hondurans to ensure qualification to the knock out rounds.
In the other League A group, Costa Rica top the table on equal points with Guatemala who they will play again in what looks like being the group decider.
They both opened with wins, Costa Rica beating Guadeloupe and Guatemala winning against Martinique, before they drew 0-0 with each other in a tight game in Guatemala.
Costa Rica, who are rebuilding after 15 years as one of Concacaf’s top four sides, next face third placed Suriname away, before their crucial home clash against Guatemala who will arrive having hosted Guyana.
Concacaf has structured the League A groups in a Swiss-style tournament format that sees the 12 teams in two leagues of six, with each team playing four matches against group opponents (two at home and two away).
The top two teams from both groups will advance to the quarter-finals and will be joined by the four teams which received a bye – USA, Mexico, Canada and Panama.
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