Reggae Girlz Dominate South Africa with 3-0 Victory in Friendly Match

The Reggae Girlz secured a 3-0 victory over South Africa in a friendly match, led by Khadija Shaw’s two goals and Siobhan Wilson’s opening strike. Head coach Hubert Busby praised the team’s clean sheet and the performance of debutant Lia Brooks. South Africa’s coach, Dr. Desiree Ellis, acknowledged challenges faced during the match and emphasized the need for improvement leading up to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

In an international friendly match held at the Montego Bay Sports Complex, the Reggae Girlz achieved a convincing 3-0 victory over South Africa, thanks to a brace from leading forward Khadija Shaw and a first half goal from Siobhan Wilson. Wilson opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a well-placed shot from a corner, marking her inaugural international goal. Shaw then doubled the lead shortly after halftime before sealing the match with another goal, bringing her international tally to 57.

Head coach Hubert Busby expressed satisfaction with the team’s defensive performance, citing the clean sheet as a significant achievement. “We haven’t done a good enough job at keeping clean-sheets… We have to prevent the opposition from scoring,” Busby noted. He also commended debutant Lia Brooks for her impressive contribution, highlighting the growing squad depth.

Khadija Shaw shared her excitement about returning to play in front of supportive fans and family, reflecting on her recovery from injury. “It is always good to put back the jersey on. The past couple of months were difficult… I am where I need to be at the moment but I have more to improve on,” Shaw stated.

Conversely, South Africa’s head coach, Dr. Desiree Ellis, acknowledged the challenges faced by her squad during the match and emphasized their need to refine their performance ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Ellis remarked, “When you lose the ball in your half, it is normally when you get punished,” as she reflected on the narrow gaps in their strategy that led to missed opportunities.

The two teams are set to clash again on December 2, with another friendly scheduled at the same venue, promising further competitive action between the sides as they prepare for upcoming competitions.

This match marks an important step for the Reggae Girlz as they continue to build momentum ahead of future competitions, including the Women’s World Cup. The victory against South Africa not only boosts their confidence but also showcases the team’s potential and development under the guidance of coach Hubert Busby. The introduction of new players such as Lia Brooks signals a bright future for the team’s depth and resilience. Conversely, South Africa’s participation aims to refine their skills as they prepare for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, facing the realities of international competition.

The Reggae Girlz’s solid victory over South Africa highlights their offensive strength and defensive improvements. With contributions from both seasoned players like Khadija Shaw and newcomers like Siobhan Wilson and Lia Brooks, the team is poised for further success. South Africa, while facing a challenging match, remains focused on sharpening their skills in anticipation of future tournaments. Their next encounter offers another opportunity for growth as both teams continue to develop.

Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com