Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz Face Off with Argentina’s Albicelestes on Tuesday

Kedean BrownSeptember 26, 2022

In what has become a much-anticipated match, Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz will go head to head with Argentina’s Albicelestes in Tuesday’s international friendly in New Jersey.

Free to plan September friendlies against various opponents, Argentina chose to play against Honduras on September 23 and will face Jamaica tomorrow at the Red Bull Arena. Like Jamaica, Honduras failed to qualify for the Qatar World Cup and found it equally challenging taking on the Albicelestes and suffered a 3-0 loss. Argentina, which currently ranks third in the world, will prove an immense challenge for Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, who ranks 62nd. The Boyz recently forced FIFA World Cup 2022 host nation Qatar to submit to a 1-1 draw but will have to improve upon that performance when they face Argentina.

The Reggae Boyz have faced the Argentinians on three occasions in the past, suffering losses on all three. Their first meeting at the 1998 World Cup in France saw Jamaica lose 5-0, and in their second at an international friendly in 2010, the Boyz fared better but lost nonetheless 2-1. In their most recent match against the Albicelestes at the Copa America in 2015, the Boyz were defeated 1-0.

Reggae Boyz captain and goalkeeper Andre Blake will join his teammates, such as Michail Antonio and Leon Bailey, to challenge seasoned Argentine footballers such as Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi. Reggae Boyz defender Gregory Leigh, while previously included on the squad list, has been ruled out of this match due to injury.

Argentina has been unbeaten in their last 34 matches, and the Reggay Boyz will have to give it their all to hold their own against the football giants.