Marc Stamp, STAR Writer

Jamaica's young Reggae Boyz will be seeking to rebound from a disappointing start to the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship when they square off against Group A surprise leaders Panama, in the feature match of a triple header at the National Stadium this evening.

The feature will kick off at 8 o'clock. In the first game, Guatemala oppose Trinidad & Tobago at 3 p.m., to be followed by Aruba against the United States of America, at 5:30 p.m.

Panama is top the group with maximum six points, following wins against Aruba and USA. They are followed by Trinidad & Tobago (4), Guatemala (4), Jamaica (1), USA (1) and Aruba (0).

With the top team from each group advancing to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand later this year, and the second and third teams in both groups battling for the other two spots, a win for Panama tonight would put them in a strong position.

Coach of Jamaica's Under-20 team, Theodore Whitmore, said getting at least a draw against Panama will be crucial.

"It is very important that we get something out of this game. We don't want to concede early, as we have done in the two previous games. The team started slow in those games, but played better, especially when players came off the bench," the former national senior team coach and captain said.

Whitmore has to make at least one change to the team which started the last game against Guatemala. Captain Javaun Waugh, he said, is ruled out because of a knee injury.

"Other players such as Junior Flemmings and Roberto Johnson are nursing injuries. Hopefully, they will be fit enough to play," he added.

On Sunday night in a 1-0 loss to Guatemala, Jamaica's goalkeeper Nicholas Nelson made some fine saves, including a second-half penalty, while Martin Davis and Luca Levee came into the game and the team looked better in attack.

Meanwhile Panama's head of delegation, Alberto Moke, is fully aware that a win against Jamaica tonight is crucial to his team's chances of advancing to the World Cup.

"We know Jamaica has not won any games in the tournament yet, however, they are a quality team that is playing at home. We hope to come away with three points and add to the tally," he said.

Today's games

3 p.m. - Guatemala vs Trinidad & Tobago

5:30 p.m. - Aruba vs USA

8 p.m. - Jamaica vs Panama

Whitmore

Points standing

TeamsP W D L GF GA GD Pts

Panama 2 2 0 0 5 0 5 6

T&T 2 1 1 0 7 3 4 4

Guatemala 2 1 1 0 2 1 1 4

Jamaica 2 0 1 1 2 3 -1 1

USA 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1 1

Aruba 2 0 0 2 1 9 -8 0