Photo: Damion Lowe had a solid game in the middle of the park for the Reggae Boyz in the opening game of the Gold Cup and will be looking for a repeat performance against Guadeloupe today.
Jamaica will seek to book their spot in the second round of the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup or at least put themselves into a commanding position to advance when they take on a spirited Guadeloupe in the opening game of a double header at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida today.
Jamaica boosts a strong record against the Gwada Boys from Central America, with 5 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses from 11 games.
Guadeloupe’s last win came over 30 years ago in May 1989 — a 3-1 result. If they are to keep their hopes alive with a win today, they will have to do it without the services of Steve Loic Solvet who was red carded in their opening game against Costa Rica. Jamaica on the other hand will be with the services of recent goal scorer Bobby Reid, who is out due to the positive testing of the Covid 19 virus.
The last time these two teams faced each other was in the 2010 Caribbean Cup final. It was an intense matchup that saw Jamaica just edge Guadeloupe on penalties (5-4) after a 1-1 full and extra time draw. With over a decade having passed, both teams feature new players and optimism ahead of today’s game.
The Reggae Boyz who are firing on all cylinders will aim to keep their recent success against Guadeloupe going and to stretch Guadeloupe’s 30 years winless drought a little further.
Jamaican striker Shamar ‘Bowza’ Nicholson who was featured in the 2019 edition of the Gold Cup inspired his team to stretch their unbeaten opening game run to 6. He was aggressive and fearless as he took the game to the Surinamese. Nicholson has eight goals in 17 caps with Jamaica. He might be one of the later additions to the Reggae Boyz’s roster, but he will be key against Guadeloupe.
Costa Rica placed a cog in Guadeloupe’s wheel has they suffered a 3-1 loss in their opening game. Despite the loss there were some bright moments. The Gwada Boys created several promising opportunities in attack but failed to convert.
Guadeloupe’s striker Raphael Mirval scored the sole goal against Costa Rica and was involved in several important plays. Mirval has scored nine goals in 10 games with Guadeloupe, he has scored seven goals in his last six matches (including the 2019-20 Concacaf Nations League and this Gold Cup). His form will be key if Guadeloupe wants to get its first win of the tournament. This will be an interesting math up and can go either way, therefore, the fans will be in for a treat.
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