Busby says Jamaica must sharpen possession after 1-0 Panama win

Hubert Busby said Jamaica’s women achieved their main objective with a 1-0 victory away to Panama, but he acknowledged the performance was uneven as the squad managed heat, a difficult crowd and players still working back to full match sharpness.

The Jamaica coach said the team opened strongly, keeping the ball and trying to attack spaces they had identified before the match. As the contest developed, however, he said the lack of recent club football for some Europe-based players became clear, particularly in their rhythm and fitness.

Busby said substitutions were used to help control the match as Panama enjoyed spells of possession. He described the hosts as a strong, well-organised side and said Jamaica expected periods when they would have to defend and withstand pressure.

The conditions also shaped the game, with extreme heat and several water breaks. Busby said Jamaica’s players are accustomed to warm weather, but the bigger challenge was the timing of their seasons and the need for players to regain match legs and stamina. He credited the squad for finding a way to secure the result.

With the second game against Panama set for Monday, Busby said recovery would be the immediate priority. He praised Jamaica’s medical staff and said the coaching group would review video to identify areas for improvement, especially in possession.

Busby also highlighted the contribution of younger players, including debutants, saying he was pleased with how they handled a demanding away assignment.

He said Panama were the type of opponent Jamaica wanted ahead of upcoming regional tests, including Costa Rica in November. He noted that Panama played at the last World Cup, have been improving, and are among the final eight teams in the region.

Busby said he expects another hard match on Monday, with Panama likely believing they deserved more from the first meeting. For Jamaica, he said the biggest positive was the win itself, which kept the team focused on results, positive momentum and continued progress.