‘WE TRIED’

Jamaica coach Rudolph Speid said his team lost concentration on one play and that made the difference in their FIFA Intercontinental World Cup Playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), after the Reggae Boyz’s 2026 World Cup dream ended at the final hurdle in Guadalajara, Mexico yesterday.

The Reggae Boyz were beaten 1-0 by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the Guadalajara Stadium. Axel Tuanzebe turned home from a corner in the first half of extra time for the game’s only goal and secured the African’s second World Cup appearance and first in 52 years.

Boyz coach, Speid said that one lapse cost them a place at the World Cup.

“I think we lost concentration on a setplay and I think that made the difference between winning and losing. The players gave 100 per cent. I thought the players played in a more relaxed manner. We had confidence and belief.

“The players, coaching staff, we tried our best. We got a few opportunities but it wasn’t to be, but we tried our best and I think that is what most Jamaicans expected,” he said.

Congo created the better openings in the early part of the game, with Cedric Bakambu, Meschak Elia (twice) coming close for the Africans.

Jamaica’s best chance came in the 30th minute but Kasey Palmer’s goalbound effort was deflected wide.

Two minutes later Yoana Wissa played Elia in behind the Jamaican defence but Blake denied his effort inside his near post.

Leon Bailey then had a shot just wide from 25 yards, while Bailey Cadamarteri had a header off target, as the half drew to a close.

It took a spectacular Andre Blake save early in the second half to deny Bakambu. Then around the hour mark, the Boyz had their opponents on the back foot, forcing a string of corners and some desperate clearances.

Bailey had the best chance during the spell but could not keep his header on frame.

Congo came back into their own and thought they scored through Bakambu in the 84 minute, but the play was called for offside.

Ngal’ayel Makua had the first chance of extra time but scuffed his effort. Nevertheless, Congo took the lead 10 minutes into the first period of extra time when Tuanzebe ran on to a corner and redirected past Blake.

Despite suspicions of hand ball, the goal was cleared by VAR.

Kayembe had a glorious chance to give Congo a second in the 120th minute after a quick counter, but he put his effort was sent skyward with only Blake to beat.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com