Panama vs. Jamaica: Date, Time, TV Info and Preview

When last they met in March, Panama and Jamaica played to a scoreless draw in Kingston. It was seemingly a good result for both sides, as each team had drawn their first two games in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.

Since then, however, things haven't gone so well for either country. While Panama managed to take four points from their last four games and is still within striking distance of a top-four finish, Jamaica has lost four games in a row. 

In other words, for the two teams at the bottom of the hexagonal, it's time to enter desperation mode. Let's preview this must-win match for both countries. 

When: Friday, September 6 at 10 p.m. ET

Where: Estadio Rommel Fernandez, Panama City, Panama

Watch: Centro America TV

Key Storylines

While Jamaica sits on the bottom of the hexagonal with just two points and would likely need to win their remaining games for a chance at even reaching the playoff with New Zealand, Panama is still very much in the thick of things.

With six points, Panama is just one point behind fourth-place Honduras and two points behind third-place Mexico. An automatic berth is still very much a possibility for Panama, though any slip-up in the next two games could be devastating. 

At home, however, and behind star forward Blas Perez and skipper Roman Torres, this Panama side will like its chances. If Jamaica is to somehow worm their way back into World Cup contention, they'll need to start by stealing three points in Panama City.

And that will be a tall task indeed.

Prediction

Jamaica has shown flashes in the hexagonal, drawing with Panama once already and Mexico at Estadio Azteca. Plus, the team nearly drew with the United States in June before giving up a late goal. This is not a squad that will roll over and die. 

With that being said, Panama has not lost at home in the hexagonal, taking five points in three matches. With Honduras in striking distance for fourth place and the playoff against New Zealand that comes with it, Panama will be looking for three points.

They won't get them, though. Despite being at home, Panama will be left disappointed by a feisty Jamaica side in desperation mode. The Jamaicans won't do enough to win, but this game will end in a 1-1 draw.