Young Girlz qualify for Concacaf U20 final round

Jamaica were guaranteed a 12th straight appearance in the final round of the Concacaf Under-20 Women's Championship after they defeated Honduras 2-0 in their final preliminary round Group E game at the National Football Stadium in Managua, Nicaragua, last night.

Natoya Atkinson scored a brace in the second and 92nd minutes as the young Reggae Girlz won their group and advanced to the final round set for next month in the Dominican Republic.

Nothing less than a victory would have been enough for Jamaica as they entered last night's match tied on six points with Honduras but second in the group due to an inferior goal difference (+8) compared to their opponents' (+14).

Jamaica's capitalised on their first few attacking sequences when Atkinson managed to storm through the defence and her low shot hit the post and went in to give the Girlz the perfect start to the game.

While Honduras had their moments, they were not able to really test the Jamaican defence for the majority of the match.

While they had chances to extend their lead, Jamaica could not capitalise for the majority of the second half. However, the team would be indebted to goalkeeper Lyla Brooks who came up with two big saves late in the half. But Atkinson would secure the win for Jamaica in second-half stoppage time as she danced around the Honduran defence and produced a calm finish to secure the win and also the team's third consecutive shutout of the tournament.

Jamaica topped the group with nine points with Honduras finishing second with six points. Jamaica join Panama as teams that have so far advanced from the preliminary round. The final round of group games are scheduled for today to determine the last four teams that will progress, joining the United States and Mexico who have automatically qualified.