Better days beyond Nicaragua match
The Jamaica U20 women’s football team, the Reggae Girlz, came agonisingly close to securing a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship, but a late equaliser from Adriana Munguia dashed their hopes as Nicaragua held them to a 1-1 draw in their final Group D qualifier. Played at the National Football Stadium in Managua, Nicaragua, the match had everything: high drama, near misses, and a nail-biting finish.
Jamaica entered the match needing a win to top the group, and they started strong, putting pressure on the hosts early. In the ninth minute, a brilliant cross from Andrene Smith found Alyssa Stephenson, whose header crashed off the crossbar and was cleared off the line. Minutes later, Tiny Seaton was through on goal but was thwarted by the Nicaraguan goalkeeper’s quick advance. Despite these early chances, both teams traded periods of dominance in the first half, with Nicaragua slowly growing into the game.
Then, in the 43rd minute, Jamaica broke the deadlock through Smith, who had been a constant threat. With a nice chest control and a swift swivel on her right foot, she unleashed a thunderous volley with her left that sailed past the goalkeeper, sending the Reggae Girlz into the break with a 1-0 lead.
However, Nicaragua’s resilience came to the fore in the second half. The hosts pushed for an equaliser, and though Jamaica had their own chances, Nicaragua grew in confidence. In the dying minutes of the match, with just seconds remaining, Munguia’s free kick found the back of the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and securing the vital point that allowed Nicaragua to advance on goal difference.
The result left both teams tied on seven points, but Nicaragua’s superior goal difference meant they topped Group D. Jamaica, despite a commendable effort, finished second and saw their qualification hopes fade away. St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ 1-0 victory over St. Kitts and Nevis in the group’s other fixture left St. Kitts at the bottom of the table with no points.
While Jamaica’s dreams of reaching the championship round were shattered, other teams in the tournament secured their spots. Puerto Rico clinched top spot in Group B after a 2-2 draw with El Salvador, advancing on goal difference. Meanwhile, Costa Rica’s dominant 3-0 victory over Guatemala in Group F ensured their qualification as well.
The Reggae Girlz now turn their attention to future opportunities, but the heartbreak of missing out on this chance will undoubtedly fuel their determination in the years to come.
