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Gros Islet, St Lucia<\/strong>– Dominica\u2019s Senior Women\u2019s National Team, the Sisserou Girls, endured a difficult outing on Saturday, falling 18\u20130 to a dominant Jamaican side in their opening match of the 2025\u20132026 CONCACAF Women\u2019s Qualifiers, played at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground.<\/p>\n Jamaica showcased their world-class talent and efficiency from early in the match, with multiple players finding the back of the net.<\/p>\n Notably, Khadija \u201cBunny\u201d Shaw scored a first-half hat-trick, reaching 60 international goals, extending her record as Jamaica\u2019s all-time leading scorer.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Despite the tough scoreline, Dominica returned from the locker room showing noticeable improvement. The Sisserou Girls tightened their defensive shape, and slowed Jamaica\u2019s rhythm for periods very early in the second half.<\/p>\n However, Jamaica\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Dominica\u2019s Head Coach Ronnie Gustave acknowledged the challenge playing against an elite team as Jamaica but praised his team\u2019s effort.<\/p>\n \u201cThat’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.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cAnd 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,\u201d he added.<\/strong><\/p>\n Goalkeeper and Captain, Dymond Daniel, expressed her gratitude to her teammates for not giving up and displaying a strong sense of unity throughout.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, 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.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Meanwhile, Hubert Busby, Head Coach for the Jamaica side said his team executed the game plan with precision.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Khadja \u201cBunny\u201d Shaw added that Jamaica, as a people, needed this win.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery time we put on the colours, it\u2019s 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\u2019re going through.\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n This match marked the first in Dominica\u2019s four-game qualifying series, with upcoming fixtures scheduled for February (Guyana) and April (Nicaragua and Antigua & Barbuda).<\/p>\n The team continues to build around its blend of experienced local athletes, overseas-based talent, and a new generation of young players\u2014including Dymond Daniel, the youngest captain ever to lead Dominica\u2019s senior women\u2019s team.<\/p>\n The Sisserou Girls will continue to work to strengthen its program, develop emerging talent, and advance the standard of women\u2019s football in Dominica.<\/p>\n Post match press conference video interview with Dominica’s team captain Dymond Daniel and coach Ronnie Gustave<\/p>\n