Reggae Boyz captain, Damion Lowe, described the team’s 1-1 draw against Serbia in Japan this morning as a step in the right direction for the team that is preparing for the CONCACAF Gold Cup and FIFA World Cup qualifiers later this year.
In the match played at the Miki Athletic Stadium, Andre Gray gave Jamaica the lead in the 29th minute when after winning a race to the ball with Serbian goalkeeper Djordje Nikolic, passed into an empty net. The Reggae Boyz lead held until the 61st minute when defender Strahinja Pavlovic pulled the Serbians level.
Lowe, who played in central midfield for Jamaica, said he was encouraged by the outcome, especially considering that the players are still getting accustomed to playing together.
“I am happy, it’s a good result, a step in the right direction and I am looking forward to great things from this crop of players with many more additions,” he said. “It’s a new crop of players, we’re not properly gelled yet, we need some more time together but with the other guys coming in, with this performance it’s all up from here.”
As for his performance, Lowe, who normally plays centre-back, but was moved farther up the pitch by head coach Theodore Whitmore, said he believed he acquitted himself well.
“It’s always an honour to represent the country. The coach asked me to play a role today and I just did it to the best of my ability,” he said.
“I am not used to the role because I don’t play it often but I am a versatile player and if the coach asked me to get the job done, I will do my best. Today, I feel like I did what I had to do. I’m satisfied with my performance.”
Jamaica will next play the Japanese Olympic team on June 12.