Girlz draw 2-2 with Guatemala

Interim coach Xavier Gilbert is looking to the future with renewed optimism after the hastily arranged Reggae Girlz squad squandered several chances but battled to a 2-2 draw with Guatemala in their Concacaf World Cup qualifying match at the National Stadium last night.

Gilbert was critical of their finishing but applauded their performance in a gutsy display, also depicted in their 2-1 loss to Panama on Wednesday in the first of their two-game match in the FIFA window.

Last night, the Jamaicans went behind through a Leslie Ramirez strike in the 32nd minute, which was cancelled by Melissa Johnson just four minutes later. The Reggae Girlz then took the lead in the 52nd minute when Zoe Vidaurre scored, with Aisha Solorzano equalising for Guatemala in the 56th.

"The plan was to get something out of the game, which we did. Unfortunately, we didn't win, which would have given us three points, but I am still happy and proud of how the Girlz performed. We created some opportunities and should have been a little more composed in front of goal, but such is the nature of the game, and I am happy that we at least come away with a point.

"We have some work to do. I would be more worried if we weren't creating the opportunities. It just means that we must be more composed in front of goal. It is the first time several of them are playing at home, so there is a little tension, but no excuses; at this level, we have to be more clinical in front of goal," Gilbert said.

Several of the players were playing at the National Stadium for the first time after the Reggae Girlz, who participated in Jamaica's World Cup campaign in New Zealand and Australia in the summer, opted not to play in these Gold Cup qualifiers because of a squabble with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).

The point earned from the match leaves the Girlz sitting at the bottom of the standing, behind leaders Panama on six and Guatemala on four.

The JFF also failed to renew the contract of Lorne Donaldson, who coached the Girlz at the World Cup, with Gilbert being tasked with guiding the process in this FIFA window. He is looking for the issues to be resolved to place Jamaica in a better position to advance to the Concacaf Women's Gold Cup.

"I was asked to be in charge of these two games for this window, so looking beyond this, I am sure the technical staff will get some more support, and hopefully, all being well, we will have all players available for selection to ensure that we have the best players representing Jamaica.

"I must give credit to all of these ladies who answered the call and came and represented themselves and Jamaica well. We have to applaud them. Difficult times, difficult circumstances, assembling days and hours before games, and they gave it their all, and that's all we can ask for. I am very proud and happy, the way they executed," Gilbert said.