‘Whisper’ Richards, Antonio, Blake out, as JFF names squad for Nations League clash in Mexico
Seven players from Jamaica’s last senior men’s football team camp have been recalled for the Concacaf Nations League game against Mexico on Sunday.
Adrian Mariappa, Ravel Morrison, Dexter Lembikisa, Demario Phillips, Richard King, Trivante Stewart, and Jahmali Waite have all been named in the 23-man squad after their performances in two recent international friendly matches against Trinidad and Tobago last week.
But West Ham United striker Michail Antonio, like captain Andre Blake, has been left out because of an injury.
Striker Dujuan “Whisper” Richards is also missing, but head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson says this is because Richards has personal issues to address, after recently joining English Premier League’s Chelsea on a pre-contract.
Omari Hutchinson, also of Chelsea, is also absent because of what Hallgrímsson also describes as personal reasons.
Jamaica will play Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City in their final League A, Group A match at 7:00 pm Jamaica time.
In spite of Jamaica’s best results at this venue being a draw, Hallgrímsson says that the Reggae Boyz will seek a win from this game, as the tournament presents an opportunity for Jamaica to win an important regional trophy.
The last time the teams met, they had a 1-1 draw on the last Nation’s League match day, in Kingston last June.
Jamaica lead the group with five points after three games, one more than Mexico, who have a game in hand. Suriname are last, on one point after three games.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers
Amal Knight
Jahmali Waite
Coniah Boyce-Clarke
Defenders:
Amari’I Bell
Ethan Pinnock
Dexter Lembikisa
Adrian Mariappa
Damion Lowe
Richard King
Javain Brown
Kemar Lawrence
Midfielders
Jonathan Russell
Demario Phillips
Kevon Lambert
Daniel Johnson
Ravel Morrison
Kaheem Parris
Forwards
Jamal Lowe
Bobby Decordova-Reid
Cory Burke
Shamar Nicholson
Trivante Stewart
Leon Bailey