JAMAICA'S REGGAE Girlz left the island yesterday for Miami where they will be aiming to become the country's first women's football team to qualify for the 2007 World Cup in China.

Panama, the United States, Canada, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago are the other CONCACAF teams in the race for the women's World Cup. Qualifying matches will be played between November 19-29.

The Reggae Girlz will bow into action tomorrow with a practice game against Trinidad and Tobago. They will then face Panama on Sunday in their opening fixture. Trinidad and Tobago will also play Mexico on Sunday and the winners will advance to the semi-finals where Canada and the hosts will await them.

Crenston Boxhill, president of the Jamaica Football Federation ( JFF), said he is confident the Girlz will put up a good showing.

"I'm expecting very good things from the girls," said Boxhill. "They've done extremely well so far and I have no doubt they will do themselves and the country very proud come Sunday against Panama," he said.

Below full strength

'"Obviously we will be a little bit below full strength. "You can say that we have been a victim of our own success. Because the young ladies have been doing so very well, they have been offered scholarships all over the United States and three of our better players will be unavailable due to school commitments for at least the first game, which makes us a little bit under-strength."

The finalists will automatically qualify for the 2007 World Cup while the third-place team will play Japan in a home-and away series for the final spot.

The semi-finals are on November 22, while the third-place play-off and final will be played on November 26.

Jamaica squad: Paula Jackson, Peatria Campbell, Rochelle Bryan, Venicia Reid, Misty Facey, Christina Murray, Shanise Steele, Diana Hue, Kimma Parker, Nicola Bell, Tenesia Vassel, Audia Sullivan, Peta Gay Soman, Stacey-Ann Manyan, Alicia Wilson, Yolanda Hamilton, Omolyn Davis, Hishamar Falconer.