Reggae Boyz coach Steve McClaren is calling on his team to complete the job and cement their semi-final berth. He also wants the fans to come out and give the players the boost they need to see off their Central American challengers.
“One of our goals. The vision I have is to fill the stadium. To have a full house and have it rocking. With the music and everything happening around the game, it (home support) is very different from Nicaragua, it’s very different from Honduras, but just as intimidating,” he said. However, more than just intimidate, McClaren wants the fans to give the players the urge to deliver the victory.
“But it’s not really about intimidating, but uplifting the home players. That’s what a home advantage is. To lift you above the opponent. To give you extra 10, 20 per cent to deliver the result. So we need the fans. The worst thing in COVID, no fans, killed the game. Fans came back, it reignited the game, and that is what we want the supporters to do.”
On the field, McClaren wants the Reggae Boyz to press home their advantage at the top of the group and secure top spot. “We started with a disappointing draw, which we should win, but we put ourselves in a position to finish top of the group. So finish the job. That’s the message to the players, to finish the job. We need to win the game, and for me, that is most important. We are playing at home, playing in front of supporters, so we are playing for them, not to entertain, but to perform standards, have a good game and win,” he stated.
Although expecting a competitive game, McClaren is looking to specialist players such as Demarai Gray and Tyreek Magee to inspire the result they seek. “I am looking at a year ago when I got the job with Jamaica. The first game I looked at was the Honduras game. Wasn’t a good game to look at I think. But there was one bit of quality in the game, (Gray’s goal), and I am looking for the same tomorrow,” he stated. “He (Magee) didn’t do too bad on the right (last match). He was okay. He is a player who is a specialist player, and they win you football matches. We expect them (specialists) to win the football match tomorrow (today). Tyreek’s another one. They are special, and that’s what I saw from Tyreek from the clips when I first saw him. He could deal with the ball, handle the ball. He was creative. He kept it. The three things I said right at the beginning. He is the kind of player we are looking for. Players who can handle the ball, deal with the ball and be brave to do it in a hostile atmosphere. He came out with a big plus.”
Despite some players nursing niggles, McClaren said he would have a full squad to choose from. “We got a reaction from Antonio just in training. We got reactions from a few players. Ice on the shins, sore backs. But the medical team has done a great job. They got the stiffness out, and we should have a full squad.”
Thanks to a 2-0 victory over Nicaragua on matchday three, the Reggae Boyz are first in the table with seven points, one more than La H, who held onto a 3-2 win over French Guiana in their previous encounter. Some fortunate bounces and resolute defending have the Jamaicans poised to make the knockout portion of this tournament for a second successive campaign. Steve McClaren has yet to lose in his three matches as head coach of this team, with his side conceding just one goal since he took charge. Many things would have to go against them to miss out on the quarter-finals, as only a defeat, combined with a victory for Nicaragua and a four-goal swing, would knock Jamaica out of this tournament. The Reggae Boyz have never lost a Nations League group fixture at Independence Park, posting a clean sheet in two of their last three matches played there in this competition. A single point will be enough to see them advance, however, a victory would give them 10 points, which would equal their most ever in the group phase of League A. Their previous six meetings versus the Hondurans have ended in a victory for the Reggae Boyz, while they are undefeated in seven consecutive competitive fixtures against them. Another strong second-half showing has Honduras in a solid position to advance beyond the group stage, currently two points above Nicaragua for second place. Only a defeat and a Nicaraguan triumph would see Reinaldo Rueda's men miss out on the quarter-finals for a second successive campaign. On Thursday, Los Catrachos won a Nations League contest away from home for the first time since June 2022 (1-0 win at Curacao), while they have won two of their previous three competitive fixtures played outside Honduras. Should they win on Monday, it would mark the first time they top their group in this competition since finishing first in a group that featured Trinidad and Tobago and Martinique in 2019-20. Since suffering a 3-2 defeat versus Mexico in a March 2021 World Cup qualifier, Honduras have won 10 successive matches across all competitions when netting multiple times. La H have suffered just one defeat in their last eight encounters against Caribbean opponents across all competitions (2-1 versus Jamaica) but have only claimed one victory against the Reggae Boys on Jamaican soil, winning 2-0 in December 1968.
We saw four changes to the Jamaican starting 11 against Nicaragua, with Tayvon Gray, Karoy Anderson, Tyreek Magee, and Romario Williams replacing Amari’i Bell, Norman Campbell, Kasey Palmer, and Michail Antonio. An own-goal by Josue Quijano and a goal from Williams was all the Jamaicans would need to defeat Nicaragua, as Andre Blake made six stops to preserve a clean sheet. With Los Catrachos there were four new faces in their starting 11 on matchday three, including Edrick Menjivar, Andy Najar, Rigoberto Rivas and Jose Pinto. Anthony Lozano, Deiby Flores and Jorge Benguche all found the back of the net for Honduras on Thursday as they hung on for a narrow victory.Jamaica possible starting lineup:Blake; Leigh, D. Lowe, Pinnock, J. Bell; Latibeaudiere, Anderson; Palmer, Decordova-Reid, D. Gray; Antonio
Honduras possible starting lineup:Menjivar; Najar, Maldonado, Vega, Rosales; Arriaga, Flores; Acosta, Rodriguez, Benguche; Lozano
While both sides won on matchday three, the Jamaicans looked much more comfortable in their encounter, and we believe the continuity they have built will be enough to earn them another win on Monday against a side still lacking consistent chemistry on the field.
KINGSTON, Jamaica— Head Coach Steve McClaren has made five changes to the Reggae Boyz starting team to face Honduras in their final Concacaf Nations League A Group B game on Monday at the National Stadium, set to start at 8:00pm. Defender Mason Holgate, who came on as a substitute in last week’s 2-0 win over Nicaragua, gets his first start and will be joined by Dexter Lembikisa, Kasey Palmer, Norman Campbell and striker Michail Antonio. Midfielder Tyreek Magee retained his place in the team but Romario Williams, who scored last week, and Bobby Reid dropped to the bench, while defender Damion Lowe was suspended for yellow card accumulation.
Starting team:
Andre Blake, Mason Holgate, Joel Latibeaudiere, Ethan Pinnock, Dexter Lembikisa, Greg Leigh, Kasey Palmer, Tyreek Magee, Norman Campbell, Demarai Gray, Michail Antonio
Mount Pleasant midfielder Jashuan Anglin has been called up to Jamaica’s squad for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League contest against Honduras on Monday. Anglin, who made his Reggae Boyz debut against Bermuda in 2020, comes in as replacement for defender Damion Lowe who misses the game with an accumulation of cards, having picked up a yellow card in Jamaica’s 2-0 win over Nicaragua in Managua on Thursday. The Reggae Boyz thanks to the result over Nicaragua on match day three, lead the table in Group B with seven points, one more than La H, who held onto a 3-2 win over French Guiana in their previous encounter. Their previous six meetings versus the Hondurans have ended in a victory for the Reggae Boyz, while they are undefeated in seven consecutive competitive fixtures against them. A point will be enough to see the Reggae Boyz advance, however, a victory would give them 10 points, which would equal their most ever in the group phase of League A. The Hondurans have suffered just one defeat in their last eight encounters against Caribbean opponents across all competitions (2-1 versus Jamaica) but have only claimed one victory against the Reggae Boys on Jamaican soil, winning 2-0 in December 1968. Monday’s game is scheduled for an 8pm start at the National Stadium in Kingston. The full Jamaica squad reads: Andre Blake, Shaquan Davis, Jahmali Waite, Dexter Lembikisa, Di’shon Bernard, Greg Leigh, Damion Lowe, Jon Bell, Richard King, Tayvon Ggray, Ethan Pinnock, Mason Holgate, Kasey Palmer, Karoy Anderson, Bobby Reid, Joel Latibeaudiere, Tyreek Magee, Renaldo Cephas, Norman Campbell, Michail Antonio, Demarai Gray, Kaheim Dixon, Romario Williams and Jahshaun Anglin.
WINGER Demarai Gray is promising to display the type of form he initially showed after joining the Reggae Boyz, when Jamaica face off against Honduras in their top-of-the-table Concacaf Nations League League A, Group B match tonight at the National Stadium. Kick-off time is 8 o'clock. The Reggae Boyz lead the group with seven points, one more than today's opponents and a win would secure a place in the semifinals, and Gray who had five goals and three assists in his first 10 matches but has not had a goal contribution in his last seven matches, is looking to rediscover his golden touch for this game. “As attackers sometimes it just gets like that, when you have grey patches and patches where you don't score. But I am trying to find that form again every time I get the opportunity to play, especially here (at home). I will do what I know I can do and show my quality,” he said yesterday. “My job is to create and score goals and I go out every game with that mentality. And if I don't, even if we win there is still that disappointment because it's about improving every time. So my job is to help the team and I am always looking to play at my highest level and I am pretty sure that tomorrow I will bring the form back.”
Reggae Boyz coach Steve McClaren is also expecting a similar impact from the Al Ittifaq (Saudi Arabia) player in tonight's contest. “I am looking at a year ago when I got the job with Jamaica. The first game I looked at was the Honduras game. Wasn't a good game to look at I think. There was one bit of quality in the game (Gray's goal), and I am looking for the same tomorrow,” McClaren said yesterday. Gray, an English Premier League title winner with Leicester City in 2015-16, anticipates another tough encounter from the Central Americans, who they defeated 2-1 in the away encounter. He believes they have enough quality to get the desired result. “The last camp we played them it was very difficult. They have a lot of quality. They are quite free in the way they play. They are not a team that you say 'okay they do this and they do that'. They are a physical team and we are quite aware of the threats they have, and it's for us to control that. We are aware but we will focus on what we need to do best, and as long as we do that, we should win the game,” Gray said.
Jamaica face Honduras in the League A Matchday 4 of the 2024–25 Concacaf Nations League group stage. Here's the key info for the game, including the date and how to watch or stream it live in the USA. Jamaica are set to take on Honduras in a League A clash on Matchday 4 of the 2024–25 Concacaf Nations League group stage. Fans in the USA can stay updated on all the action with key details such as the match date, kickoff time, and live streaming options available, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the excitement. The most crucial matchup of Matchday 4 pits Jamaica and Honduras against each other in a battle for the top spot. Jamaica, sitting on 7 points, hold the upper hand and only need a draw to secure first place in the group. Meanwhile, Honduras must win to claim the group lead, as any other result could leave the door open for Nicaragua to overtake them. With everything on the line, Honduras will be pushing hard for the three points. Jamaica will face Honduras in a League A Matchday 4 fixture of the 2024–25 Concacaf Nations League group stage on Monday, October 14. The match is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 PM (ET). ET: 9:00 PM CT: 8:00 PM MT: 7:00 PM PT: 6:00 PM The Concacaf Nations League clash between Jamaica and Honduras will be available for viewers in the USA on Paramount+.
Demarai Gray and Head Coach Steve McClaren have called on Jamaican fans to pack the National Stadium in Kingston on Monday night as the Reggae Boyz face Honduras in a critical CONCACAF Nations League Group B showdown. Jamaica needs at least a draw to secure a spot in the quarter-finals, but with Honduras' dangerous attacking form and the possibility of Nicaragua defeating French Guiana, a win is the safer route to qualification. Monday’s clash set for 8:00 pm (Jamaica) will be the 30th meeting between the two nations, with both sides having won 12 games each, and five ending in draws. The Reggae Boyz are undefeated in their last seven encounters with Honduras, a streak that stretches back to 2013. However, Honduras remains a formidable opponent, leading the group in scoring with eight goals and looking to shake their recent defensive struggles. Gray, who has been instrumental in Jamaica's recent back-to-back away wins against Honduras (2-1) and Nicaragua (2-0), emphasized the importance of fan support for Monday’s high-stakes encounter. “I think it's very important. Going to those countries and playing, I kind of like the hostile feeling about it. It kind of gives me a boost as well, but I think the stature of Jamaica...I've said it before, the Jamaican culture is popular all over the world, and I am honoured to represent the country,” Gray said. The Reggae Boyz winger urged fans to turn out in large numbers and create an atmosphere that will inspire the players and intimidate the opposition. “As a player, it's something I am always looking forward to—the stadium being full, a sellout, having that atmosphere. The 12th man behind you is massively important, and I've played football long enough to know it can intimidate teams as well. With the quality we have, a lot of teams will be intimidated already, so with the fans backing us, it’s just an extra bonus for us,” Gray added. Coach McClaren echoed Gray’s sentiments, highlighting the role of the fans in creating a powerful home advantage. “One of our goals, the vision that I have, is to fill the stadium, to have a full house, and for it to be rocking. With the music and everything going on around the game, it’s very different from Nicaragua, very different from Honduras, but just as intimidating,” McClaren said. He explained that the energy from the crowd could provide the team with the extra push needed to secure the win. “It's not about intimidation; it's about uplifting the home players. That's what a home advantage is—to lift you above the opponent, to give you an extra 10 to 20 percent to deliver the result. So, we need the fans,” McClaren stressed.
