Fans hail Reggae Boyz win

Despite the change in kick-off time and the constant threat of heavy rain, several Jamaican fans left the National Stadium happy as Jamaica opened their World Cup qualifiers with a 1-0 win over the Dominican Republic.

Striker Shamar Nicholson scored the all-important goal for the Reggae Boyz in the first half as he brought the stadium to life and ensured that the Boyz left with all three points.

Speaking with the fans in attendance, they made their voices and opinions known before making the journey home.

One such person was the fervent Reggae Boyz fan who simply goes by the name Ricky. The Kingston-native said he was happy with the win, but he expects a more attacking performance when Jamaica take on Dominica on Sunday.

Ricky said he believes the Reggae Boyz will be able to replicate the success of the 1998 squad and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

"It was a good game today," he said. "The Boyz came out here and did good and they got the win. It's always good to win at your stadium so that nobody can have talk for you. The fans them come out and we know that when they play Dominica next, it's a next win for Jamaica."

Big expectations

Following the win, Jamaica currently sit second with three points in Group E of the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers.

Guatemala lead the group with three points as well, but boast a superior goal difference following their 6-0 drubbing of Dominica on Wednesday.

Nicholas Thomas, another fan in attendance yesterday, said he is very confident ahead of the Sunday's game following Dominica's opening defeat.

He said while the Boyz should be wary of a potential fight from the home team, he expects all three points and a bigger scoreline.

"Dominica lost their first game, I think a six goals dem pick up so we have reasons to be confident. Jamaica are one of the biggest teams in the Caribbean so I don't see us losing a game at this stage but the ball is round. Once they do what they need to do then the game is ours to be honest," Thomas said.