Disappointed but not deterred – Lowe

In the aftermath of Jamaica’s 2-1 defeat to Mexico in their World Cup qualifying opener, national defender Damion Lowe says it has not deterred their resolve and they are committed to set things right in Sunday’s home opener.

A late Mexico goal by Henry Martin denied Jamaica a valuable point at a spectator-less Estadio Azteca. Alexis Vega gave Mexico the lead five minutes into the second half while Shamar Nicholson’s ninth international goal levelled proceedings in the 65th minute.

Jamaica had to battle against the relentless pressure that the Mexicans placed on them, especially in the first half where they were fortunate not to have conceded from multiple attempts on goal. And although disappointed that they could not hold on for the draw, Lowe nevertheless was buoyed and encouraged by the fight shown throughout the 90 minutes.

“The players really rallied together. I’m really proud of my guys. I’m really proud of my brothers because we stuck together and we fought to the end. Regardless of the result, we fought to the end and that showed character. And that is a positive for us,” Lowe said.

Mexico managed 27 shots with seven of them on target while Jamaica only had four shots with one on target. Rogelio Funes Mori missed a free header in the 24th minute and Sebastian Cordova had forced a save from captain Andre Blake. After Mexico squandered a golden chance to double their lead in the 63rd minute, Nicholson found the net two minutes late to give the Boyz life in the tie. But the rug would be pulled under them in the final minute of the game when Martin’s shot sailed into the top corner.

While not dismissing the intimidating environment that the Azteca brought, Lowe said that they will be better for the experience in the long run in standing up to any challenge thrown at them.

“We had nothing to lose because at the end of the day, the odds were always against Jamaica especially in the Azteca. So we wanted to rewrite history. Obviously, it didn’t happen but again the guys fought hard and that is going to separate getting points and qualifying for the World Cup rather than losing a game or just bucking and being afraid,” Lowe said.

Jamaica was the only country that did not earn any points on Thursday’s opening day as the matches between Canada and Honduras, El Salvador and the United States, Panama and Costa Rica ended in draws. The Reggae Boyz are at the foot of the eight-team table with zero points. Nevertheless, Lowe says that they are eagerly awaiting their chance to set things right in their home opener against Panama on Sunday and will be helped with the availability of the Britain-based contingent who did not travel to Mexico.

“We guarantee you going into the next game, the guys have fire in their bellies. We are motivated and we are hungry for a win. And it’s good that we have the rest of the guys back home training, staying sharp waiting for us to join them,” Lowe said.

Jamaica Football Federation president Michael Ricketts shared his optimism about the team’s fighting spirit at the Azteca and said that the only disappointing factor was the late winner which denied them a point.

I thought the players did well. The vibe in the camp is good. The young players would have acquitted themselves very well. I thought that the only thing that really went wrong is that we conceded that late goal because I thought if we had come away with a point, it would have been a very good result,” Ricketts said.

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com