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They were magnificent – McClaren
September 12, 2024
Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren said their Concacaf League A, Group B game against Honduras in Tegucigalpa on Tuesday was 'tough as anticipated' and credited the players for their effort in the 2-1 win over the Central Americans.
Needing to win to keep their quarterfinal hopes intact, Jamaica took the lead after 49 minutes through a Denil Maldonado own goal, after good work from Norman Campbell on the right.
However, the visitors' lead was short-lived as a minute later, poor defending allowed David Ruiz to equalise from six yards.
The Reggae Boyz though would ensure a fifth straight win over their opponents when Michail Antonio was fouled in the area by goalkeeper Lyis Lopez, and the West Ham striker got up, brushed himself off and confidently stroked home the resulting penalty 14 minutes from the end to secure the win.
"That was a tough game. We knew it would be, not just the team (opponent) but also away from home is always very difficult. The crowd, the atmosphere gave the players the energy. This team (Honduras) can play football and they played football," McClaren commented.
He also thought the execution of the players on the night was top class.
"Credit to our players. In every aspect they were magnificent. The first 30 minutes we were controlling possession, we were very brave in possession. We built from the back. It is difficult to go away and play like that. I was so impressed with that," McClaren said.
"The last 15 minutes Honduras, they were so good. We did well to survive. We were always dangerous when we won the ball, always dangerous in transition. I credit my players for the work. They were hard to beat," he said.
The Jamaicans partly owed victory to two point-blank saves by goalkeeper and captain Andre Blake. His second big save came in added time.
Jamaica now join Nicaragua on top of the standings in Group B with four points, one more than Honduras, and McClaren anticipates an equally competitive fixture when they meet again in October.
"I listened to their coach after. The game was well played, it was really tough," he said. "I am sure in another three to four weeks it will be another tough game."
