Nicaragua and Jamaica will face off on Thursday in a crucial CONCACAF Nations League clash at the Nicaragua National Football Stadium in Managua. Both teams are tied on four points at the top of Group B in League A, with first place up for grabs.
Match Preview
Nicaragua Nicaragua have shown a knack for late heroics in this Nations League campaign. Both of their goals so far have come in second-half stoppage time, including a dramatic 1-1 draw against Cuba last time out. This resilience has helped them remain unbeaten in five straight matches across all competitions.
Though they struggle after conceding the first goal, Nicaragua have a perfect record in 2024 when scoring first. They won their opening match of the group stage 1-0 against French Guiana. Nicaragua are also strong at home, having won their last six Nations League games on home soil.
They haven’t lost to a Caribbean opponent in this tournament since 2019 and will look to continue that run against Jamaica.
Jamaica Jamaica are coming off a 2-1 win over Honduras in their last match, which marked Steve McClaren’s first victory as manager. The Reggae Boyz showed their resilience with a strong second-half performance to secure the win.
Jamaica have been solid on the road in the Nations League, winning both of their away games last year. They are unbeaten in their last seven competitive matches against Central American teams, showcasing their ability to perform well in the region.
Historically, Jamaica have a favorable record against Nicaragua, having won their most recent encounter in Managua 2-0 back in 2015.
Team News
Nicaragua
- Anyelo Velasquez has been called up again, seeking his first cap for Nicaragua.
- Jaime Moreno, a key player, can move up in the all-time appearances list if he plays.
- Widman Talavera scored a last-minute equalizer against Cuba, securing a vital point.
Expected Nicaragua Starting XI:
Rodriguez; Quijano, Fletes, Reyes, Perez; N. Rodriguez, Barrera, J. Coronel, Belli, H. Medina; Moreno
Jamaica
- McClaren rotated his squad slightly against Honduras, with Greg Leigh and Norman Campbell coming into the starting XI.
- Michail Antonio scored the winning penalty against Honduras and will be pivotal again in attack.
- Michael Hector is closing in on 50 appearances for the national team.
Expected Jamaica Starting XI:
Blake; Lembikisa, Pinnock, D. Lowe, Bell; Anderson, Latibeaudiere, Palmer, Decordova-Reid; Nicholson, Antonio
Prediction
Both teams have shown resilience in this Nations League campaign, but Jamaica’s superior attacking quality, especially with Michail Antonio leading the line, should give them the edge over a well-organized Nicaraguan side.
Prediction: Nicaragua 0-2 Jamaica
