Striker Burke dropped from Reggae Boyz squad for Antigua clash

Despite one withdrawal and the late exclusion of a top striker from the Reggae Boyz squad, the team is upbeat about making a good start in the CONCACAF Nations League against Antigua and Barbuda on Friday at the Montego Bay Sports Complex. The last time both teams met, Jamaica prevailed 2-0 in April 2018 in St John's.

As the Reggae Boyz get set to commence League "B" action in the CONCACAF Nations League, they will be without striker Cory Burke, who was among those called up to the squad for the upcoming games. Coach Theodore Whitmore said he was forced to drop Burke as the player was not focused.

The squad will also be without Preston North End's attacking midfielder Daniel Johnson. Johnson's agent and former Reggae Boy Daryl Powell refused to allow the player to travel as a direct flight to Montego Bay was not secured for the player.

Chavany Willis of the Bethlehem Steel has been called in as a replacement. Veteran player Adrian Mariappa is back in the squad for the first time since September 2018. Kickoff is at 7:00 pm. After that match, the Boyz will head to Guyana for their next game on September 9 in Georgetown.