While I was away in Morocco, Dextrer Lembikisa was seeing his World Cup hopes fade in Jamaica.
The on-loan defender went on the international break knowing that matching Curaçao’s result would see his side qualify for the World Cup. As a stalwart of the side, he would expect to be named in the squad, were the Reggae Boyz to make it.
A disappointing draw against Trinidad, coupled with a huge Curaçao win against Bermuda, meant they needed to beat their group rivals in the final game. Instead, they played out a 0-0 draw, meaning Curaçao became the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup.
That led to Steve McClaren’s resignation, another former Imp who saw his World Cup dreams in tatters. However, his resignation could be premature, because Jamaica could still qualify for the competition set to take place in the US, Mexico and Canada this summer.
Jamaica have only once been to a World Cup finals, that being back in 1998 when it first expanded to 32 teams. Now, with 48, there are more opportunities, but while Panama and Haiti join Curaçao at the tournament, Jamaica are being forced into the Inter-confederation play-offs.
They have a great chance to go through, which does make McClaren’s resignation baffling. Lembikisa will be in action for them on March 26th, when they face minnows New Caledonia, 149th in the FIFA rankings. The Reggae Boyz are currently 70th.
If, as expected, they win that game in Zapopan, Mexico, then their international break will extend to the final. Already waiting there are DR Congo, 56th in the FIFA rankings. They have been to a finals before under their former guise of Zaire, and will be a stiffer opposition, featuring the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe and Meschak Elia.
The other pathway features Surinam and Bolivia, one of whom will play Iraq for a place in the finals. It could be the first competition to feature both Iraq and Iran, with the latter already booking their place.
All eyes will be on the March international break, although by that point, Dexter could be gone, as his loan was initially only for six months.
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