Overview:
Haiti’s males’s U-17 soccer group has certified for the 2025 FIFA World Cup after defeating Guatemala 2-0 within the Concacaf qualifiers’ remaining spherical.
Haiti’s under-17 males’s soccer group has certified for the 2025 FIFA World Cup after a dominant run within the Concacaf U-17 World Cup Qualifiers. The younger Grenadiers secured their spot with a 2-0 victory over Guatemala on Sunday night time, Feb. 16, at Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala Metropolis. The win marks Haiti’s third U-17 World Cup look, following tournaments in 2007 and 2019.
Haiti completed the ultimate spherical undefeated in Group E, profitable all three matches and outscoring its opponents 10-0.
“I’ve no phrases to precise my happiness for the boys,” Head Coach Eddy César mentioned in a post-game interview with Haitian sports activities community Totalmixradio.com, emphasizing the group’s dedication after three years of preparation in a rustic going through a number of crises.
“This qualification means all the pieces to us, our nation, and the way forward for Haitian soccer. All through the qualifying marketing campaign, the boys confirmed their expertise, great coronary heart, and dedication.”
Early targets and late heroics
Haiti struck early, with Djouby Jean-Phillippe scoring from the highest of the field within the eighth minute. The Grenadiers then held their lead earlier than captain Miguel Joseph sealed the victory in stoppage time (90’+4) with a long-range rocket from midfield.
The win secured Haiti’s place in Qatar 2025, the place it’ll compete towards among the world’s high U-17 groups on the worldwide stage.
Haiti’s key gamers shine
The group’s qualification run was fueled by the standout performances of 15-year-old playmaker Emerson Laissé, who performed a pivotal position within the assault, contributing targets and assists in all three matches. Different key gamers included captain Miguel Joseph, goalkeeper Cliford Gené, ahead Nikolaï Pierre, Franco Celestin, and Theo Lacombe, who supplied management and stability all through the event.
“I’ve no phrases to precise my happiness for the boys. This qualification means all the pieces to us, our nation, and the way forward for Haitian soccer.”
Eddy César, head coach of Haiti’s U-17 males’s group
Haiti’s protection was additionally a fortress, holding a clear sheet in all three final-round video games whereas delivering commanding victories over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (5-0) and Antigua and Barbuda (3-0) earlier than Sunday’s decisive match towards Guatemala.
Earlier than kickoff, each groups sat tied atop Group E with six factors every. Nonetheless, Haiti held the benefit in objective distinction and wanted solely a draw to advance. As a substitute, the younger Grenadiers left little question, securing a win to assert the highest spot.
Concacaf, followers rejoice Haiti’s success
The information of Haiti’s qualification sparked celebrations throughout the nation, with followers taking to the streets to precise their satisfaction.
“That is greater than only a soccer victory. It’s a second of satisfaction for all of Haiti,” mentioned Jean-Claude Antoine, a fan in Port-au-Prince.
On X (previously Twitter), Concacaf acknowledged Haiti’s achievement, posting:
🌟 Haiti’s younger stars shine vibrant! 🌟 U-17 World Cup qualification secured! 🇭🇹
🔗 https://t.co/sQOD8Gc0IJ
Haitian soccer coach Wilkens Plaisir additionally praised the group’s preparation and resilience.
“Many of the gamers forming the group’s base haven’t been in common membership competitors for over three years,” Plaisir mentioned on Totalmixradio.com. “The truth that the technical workers stored these gamers in form to shine at this degree with such brilliance is extraordinary. I applaud all of them.”
With Qatar 2025 on the horizon, the younger Grenadiers will proceed their preparation, aiming to showcase Haitian soccer on the world stage.