‘We don’t really have to depend on anyone’

The Reggae Boyz have put themselves in control of their qualification hopes after a 2-0 victory over El Salvador in the 2026 Concacaf Nations League at Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador on Friday.

The win moved Jamaica into second place in League A Group B on six points.

They now sit one point behind leaders Suriname, with qualification for the quarter-finals firmly within their grasp.

Head coach Rudolph Speid said the result was particularly significant because Jamaica no longer has to rely on other results to keep its qualification hopes alive.

“We have put ourselves in a position that qualifying for this tournament is in our hands,” he said.

“Basically, we don’t really have to depend on anyone to get a good result.”

Jamaica’s latest victory also ended a nine-year wait for a win over El Salvador, having last beaten the Central Americans at the 2015 Gold Cup in the United States.

The Boyz were forced to work hard in the early stages as the match began at a lively pace before El Salvador were reduced to 10 men in the 20th minute.

Jamaica took advantage soon after, with East opening the scoring in the 39th minute.

With the numerical advantage, the visitors continued to control the contest and doubled their lead shortly after the hour mark when East completed his brace.

The victory provided Jamaica with a much-needed boost in the competition and left the team well positioned heading into the final round of group-stage matches.

“It was a very good game for us because it is very important to qualify for the quarter-finals of the [Nations League],” the Reggae Boyz boss said.

But, while Jamaica have put themselves in a strong position, there is still work to be done.

The Boyz will close out their group-stage campaign against Honduras at the Chelato Uclés National Stadium tomorrow.

The result will determine whether Jamaica can complete its push for a place in the quarter-finals.

The Boyz have already stumbled against Honduras in the group stage, falling 1-0 to the Central Americans at the National Stadium last week.

They will be hoping to reverse that result and know that a positive outcome would secure a place in the final eight.

A win or draw would guarantee Jamaica a top-two finish in the group, while a defeat could leave their qualification hopes in jeopardy.

Jamaica have reached the last two Nations League quarter-finals.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com