Latest News
Head coach Speid: We tried our best
April 01, 2026
"We tried our best," Reggae Boyz head coach Rudolph Speid declared after Jamaica went down 1-0 in extra-time to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in yesterday's inter-continental playoff final for a place in the 2026 World Cup.
The Boyz produced one of their best displays in recent months in the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, but appeared to wilt in extra time and the pre-match favourites DR Congo stormed forward to take full advantage. Axel Tuanzebe, a 28 year-old former Manchester United defender, turned home from a corner, in first half extra-time, for the game's only goal and secured the DR Congo's second World Cup appearance and first in 52 years.
Speid said his team lost concentration on one play and that made the difference in the game.
"I think we lost concentration on a set play and I think that made the difference between winning and losing. The players gave a 100 per cent. I thought the players played in a more relaxed manner and had confidence and belief.
"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.
DR 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 goal-bound effort was deflected wide.
Two minutes later, Yoane Wissa played Elia in behind the Jamaica defence but goalkeeper Andre Blake denied his effort inside his near post.
Leon Bailey then powered 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 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 diving header on frame.
DR Congo came back into their own and thought they had scored through Bakambu in the 84th minute, but the play was called back for offside.
Ngal'ayel Makua of DR Congo had the first chance in extra-time but scoffed his effort. Nevertheless, DR 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 over the bar with only Blake to beat.
