Skip to main content

Jamaica v El Salvador: Mariappa hints at Jamaica's title target

Defender Adrian Mariappa hinted Jamaica are targeting overall glory at the CONCACAF Gold Cup as they look ahead to their clash with El Salvador.

Jamaica left it late to overcome Canada 1-0 in Houston on Saturday as they moved to the top of Group B, but their persistence and determination had the entire squad plus coach Winfried Schafer excited about the rest of the tournament.

Mariappa declared Jamaica's confidence is sky-high heading into Tuesday's clash with El Salvador, with the Caribbean nation needing just a draw to cement their spot in the Gold Cup quarter-finals.

"We were all up for [Canada] and now we've a lot of confidence going forward to the El Salvador game," the 28-year-old said, according to The Gleaner.

"We know that we can achieve things," he said.

"So this tournament is something we're all very focused about, achieving what we think we can.

"So going into the next game, we definitely want to get another positive result."

It has been an ongoing theme for Albert Roca's team, with the Salvadorans having only triumphed in one of their eight matches this year.

El Salvador needed a stoppage-time volley from Dustin Corea to earn a 1-1 draw with Costa Rica on Saturday but even if they lose, Roca's side could advance to the quarter-finals as one of the leading two third-placed teams.

Roca's men currently lead the third-place standings with two points ahead of the final round of group matches.