Gros Islet, St Lucia– Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Team, the Sisserou Girls, endured a difficult outing on Saturday, falling 18–0 to a dominant Jamaican side in their opening match of the 2025–2026 CONCACAF Women’s Qualifiers, played at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.
Jamaica showcased their world-class talent and efficiency from early in the match, with multiple players finding the back of the net.
Notably, Khadija “Bunny” Shaw scored a first-half hat-trick, reaching 60 international goals, extending her record as Jamaica’s all-time leading scorer.
She was ably supported by Kalyssa Van Zanten and Jody Brown whoboth earned hat-tricks, while Deneisha Blackwood, Shaneil Buckley and Natasha Thomas added two goals each.
Despite the tough scoreline, Dominica returned from the locker room showing noticeable improvement. The Sisserou Girls tightened their defensive shape, and slowed Jamaica’s rhythm for periods very early in the second half.
However, Jamaica’s attacking unit, known for its speed, accuracy, and international experience, quickly regrouped and proved too strong as they continued to find goals late in the match.
Dominica’s Head Coach Ronnie Gustave acknowledged the challenge playing against an elite team as Jamaica but praised his team’s effort.
“That’s one the aspects of the game that we see how organised they were. And theirspeed of play was very, very intense.Their communication, their non-verbal communication on the pitch, you know, so you could see, well, it’s a team that have been together for a while. I mean, speaking to the coach as well, that even after the game, he said we should not get discouraged because they were once like us, so just keep the girls together and continue what I’m doing.And we’ll reach where they are at this point in time.But on our behalf, I figure there’s a lot of work to be done with the girls. And I know a lot of people will want to see results at this point in time.But it’s a process.”
“And the nice, the good thing about the game that I saw with the girls is that they keep fighting and they keep fighting for one another… They realised that if we have to do this, we have to do it as a team and we have to unite. Sothat is one thing we surely can build on, that the unity is there among the girls,” he added.
Goalkeeper and Captain, Dymond Daniel, expressed her gratitude to her teammates for not giving up and displaying a strong sense of unity throughout.
“Yes, with the tough loss against Jamaica, I just tried to tell the girls not to be too hard on themselves about this game. We knew the battle it was going to be going into the game and honestly, I think every one of them should be in a way proud because they did not give up.They fought until the last minute and I know everyone left their entire heart and soul on that pitch. So I just continue to tell them it’s a work in progress. When we get back home, it’s back to the drawing board to improve and to get better and be better prepared for the rest of the qualifiers.”
Meanwhile, Hubert Busby, Head Coach for the Jamaica side said his team executed the game plan with precision.
“The focus the entire week was making sure that we got the 3 points. On top of that we wanted to build on our performance and credit to the players. They went out there and had a business performance today, obviously led by our captain Bunny (Khadija Shaw). We went out there and executed the plan so job done.”
Khadja “Bunny” Shaw added that Jamaica, as a people, needed this win.
“Every time we put on the colours, it’s an honour. This is the start of the qualifiers, and first we wanted to focus on ourselves, as always, I think we did a very professional performance today. And I am sure the fans and the people back home would appreciate that right now especially with what we’re going through.”
This match marked the first in Dominica’s four-game qualifying series, with upcoming fixtures scheduled for February (Guyana) and April (Nicaragua and Antigua & Barbuda).
The team continues to build around its blend of experienced local athletes, overseas-based talent, and a new generation of young players—including Dymond Daniel, the youngest captain ever to lead Dominica’s senior women’s team.
The Sisserou Girls will continue to work to strengthen its program, develop emerging talent, and advance the standard of women’s football in Dominica.
Post match press conference video interview with Dominica’s team captain Dymond Daniel and coach Ronnie Gustave
“Imputing Improper Motives – The Speaker” writing has a strong flavour of Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque. Anyone else notice that?
“Dominica’s Senior Women’s National Team, the Sisserou Girls, endured a difficult outing on Saturday, falling 18–0 to a dominant Jamaican side”.
This press release has it completely wrong, this was not a DIFFICULT outing, it was a HUMILIATING one. Sorry but this team does not belong on the regional or international stage, they should only play locally and have fun.
Well done team. Even if the outcome of the match was not favorable, please keep in mind that Jamaica has 3 million people, they also have a dynamic athletics program with a lot of its members playing at professional level. We need to invest more into the sports and academics.
Your argument about size is null and void. India is one of the most populous countries in the world how well do they do in sports. Grenada has a very tiny population but they have captured more than their fair share of medals at the Olympics and other international competitions.
The size of the dog does not matter, it is the size of the fight in the dog.
Stop calling this team a Dominica team, talk the truth and call it what it is: a Roseau team. If a Dominica team is selected (like Clive Lloyd did). And properly trained – like Kerry Parker demanded- we would never face such embarrassment.
You want to change the country, de-Roseauite politics, stop letting the Roseau bourgeoise choke the country for their personal greed – They are the ones running the country.
FIFA should adopt the mercy rule that is common in other sports at the professional and collegiate levels.
Jamaica 18 – Dominica 0 – Was this a netball match? Psychologically, how does anyone get over this after being so humiliated. These ladies have to be emotionally broken. This will take a longs time to heal.
Our ladies need proper facilities to train. Top class coaches to develop their talent. More friendly matches with me injuring islands before competing in any prestigious tournament.
We have hit rock bottom. The only direction now is up.
DYAAMMMMN!!! That is what you call an AHASSE WOOPING!
That shows a total lack of preparation and ALL the coaches should be fired forthwith! What happen? Allu think is behbel or mama all went to play man? This time there is no E for effort but rather a D for disgraceful. Period!
FIRE the coaches and go back to the drawing board.
When you fire all the coaches what then happens? Will there be better outcomes? What should happen is to expose a cache of local coaches to professional training, courses and workshops. They in turn will be able to pass on a better brand of football to the athletes. Getting hyper emotional and making erratic decisions won’t solve a thing. In these times talent alone will not suffice.