Under-23s face must-win game

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's Under-23 team will tomorrow face hosts Suriname in a do-or-die match if they are to qualify for at least the CONCACAF stage of qualifiers for next year's London 2012 Olympic Games.

The junior Reggae Boyz, who are being conditioned by Alfredo Montesso, finds themselves in this position after recording a 1-0 win over the Cayman Islands in their second game in the Caribbean Football Union final stage group playoff yesterday. They must win tomorrow to advance.

Midfielder Alonzo Adlam, with a shot from inside the penalty area, netted the all-important goal in the 25th minute.

The result moved Jamaica's points tally to six, the same as Suriname, who defeated St Vincent and the Grenadines 5-0 in the day's second and feature game.

Suriname, however, lead Jamaica on goal difference after defeating Cayman 5-0 in their opening fixture. Jamaica got the better of St Vincent and the Grenadines 2-0 in their opening fixture.

Jamaica, thus, have a plus three goal difference compared to Suriname's plus seven.

"We controlled the game and created a lot of chances, but did not capitalise on them," said Montesso in summarising yesterday's performance.

"There was, however, a lot of positives to take from the game, and come Sunday we hope to build on them and come away with the desired result.

"It's a must-win game and all of the players know what they have to do if they want to qualify for the next round, and I am confident that they will deliver," he added.

Tomorrow's game is slated to start at 5 p.m. Jamaica time.