Jamaica's interim coach retained for 1 more game

Theodore Whitmore was retained as Jamaica's temporary coach Friday for the World Cup qualifier against Canada next month following wins over Mexico and Honduras.

Whitmore led the team for the past two matches and had been expected to make way for incoming coach John Barnes for the Nov. 19 home game against Canada. But Jamaica Football Federation president Horace Burrell said Barnes has agreed to sit it out.

"After careful consideration, I thought it was the sensible thing to do and Mr. Barnes must be commended for his humility and complete understanding of the situation," Burrell said in a statement.

Whitmore, who played for Jamaica at the 1998 World Cup, replaced Rene Simoes after the Brazilian was fired on Sept. 11.

Jamaica, which scored 1-0 home wins over Mexico and Honduras, is third with seven points in the four-team CONCACAF Group Two. Mexico leads the group with 10 points, one more than Honduras, and has already qualified for the next phase.

The top two teams qualify for the six-team playoff round.

Jamaica must beat Canada and hope Mexico defeats Honduras on Nov. 19 to advance.