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A Sue-Lae MaCalla strike in the 84^th minute gave Jamaica a deserved 1-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in their International Friendly at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Thursday night.

A 1-0 in Jamaica is called a Bob Marley based on his popular hit song One Love and it was fitting that Jamaica registered that victory when the world was celebrating the Reggae legend’s 80^th birthday on February 6.

McCalla a who is the captain of the Mount Pleasant FA, was notching his first goal for Jamaica in this his fourth cap—all against Trinidad and Tobago.

With none of the European-based players available, tough-tackling defender McCalla used his experience and led from the front.

McCalla who stayed up after a freekick that was cleared, latched onto a headed pass by Shaniel Thomas and fired home from close range in the 84^th minute.

“Well, it’s a tremendous feeling, you know, to get the first goal for the country,” said McCalla. “And, you know, the crowd, will get a lot of support tonight. So, it’s a great feeling to know that the people came out and enjoyed yourself.”

McCalla’s performance might have earned him a look in when the overseas-based players are available as he has been one of the most consistent defenders playing in Jamaica.

“Well, as a player, my job is to keep on doing what I’m doing. When the coach calls upon me, I just want to be ready, to stay fit and hope that I go there to put my best foot forward,” he explained.

This was the 63^rd meeting between the two countries that started in 1935 and the Reggae Boyz now hold the advantage winning 27 times compared to the Soca Warriors 26 with 10 games ending in a draw.

Head coach Steve McClaren was pleased with what he saw from his local and inexperienced squad as they absorbed his tactics quickly.

“Been a pleasure to work with [the players] the last two days. We gave them quite a bit of information and they took it on board. It’s very difficult, but I thought they got stronger and stronger as the game went on,” said McClaren. “I think the first half, was a little unsure, a little passive rather than being aggressive. But I think in the second half, one or two things changed and we became more aggressive. We talked about people coming on, making a difference, and I think all the changes were excellent.”

Meanwhile, TT’s coach Dwight Yorke, who was coached by McClaren at Manchester United, said he wanted to get one over his former coach.

“He’s been an integral part in terms of the success of Manchester United when he was there as one of the coaches. So, my affiliation with Steve is nothing but admirable. We’re delighted to have him in this part of the world with the experience he brings,” said Yorke. “I’ve learned one or two tricks from him. I was hoping to get one over him tonight, but that wasn’t the case.”

Trinidad and Tobago, just like Jamaica are preparing for the World Cup qualifications and were without their overseas-based players.

“I thought it was a good game. I expected to be competitive. Jamaica is obviously ahead of us in the ranking. Our target was to try and match them to see how far the gap is between the two teams,” he explained. “But I thought it was a pretty decent game from both sets of teams and it was enjoyable to watch. We didn’t win the game, but I thought we had some really good moments in the game as well,” he added.

Both teams will meet again on Saturday, February 9 at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.