ST.JOHN'S, Antigua, CMC:
JAMAICA'S UNDER-17 footballers won their second friendly in Antigua and Barbuda 2-0 on Tuesday evening and impressed Brazilian Alfredo Montesso from the home team's coaching staff.
Montesso, who spent fours years in Jamaica as part of the Rene Simoes' coaching staff, watched the Jamaicans beat the Antigua and Barbuda Under-18 squad and then declared the young Reggae Boyz a "much better" side than the one that qualified for the 1999 World Under-17 Finals in New Zealand.
"This squad is more complete, they have a wonderful sweeper and they are tall compared to the team that went to New Zealand, whose average height was shorter," Montesso said.
"I don't know if they will go on (qualify again), but I can say that the individual quality of this team is better," he said.
Jamaica, in spite of playing close to an hour with 10 men on Sunday, defeated the Antigua and Barbuda Under-17s 2-1 and their win on Tuesday was just as convincing.
Montesso said Antigua and Barbuda used an Under-18 side for the game instead of the Under-17s, because they did not feel the Under-17s, preparing for a world qualifier against Grenada this weekend, could handle three games in one week.
"It's a new squad and their level of preparation is not the best, they need some rest," he said.
Antigua and Barbuda, defenders trying to fend off the rampant Jamaican attackers, gave up a penalty in the 18th minute and Anthony Christie converted from the spot.
The home side conceded a second goal in second-half stoppage time when a defender, under pressure, deflected the ball into his own net.
Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda have Caribbean Football Union (CFU) zone world qualifying assignments this weekend.
The young Reggae Boyz are heading for St. Kitts and Nevis for their two-leg series tomorrow and Sunday while Antigua and Barbuda take a 2-0 lead into the second leg of their series against Grenada in St. George's.
