Overview:
Haiti’s nationwide soccer group wrapped up an undefeated CONCACAF Nations League marketing campaign with a 3-0 victory over Puerto Rico on Monday night time, cementing their standing as Group C leaders in League B. Earlier than the match performed on the Estadio Centroamericano de Mayagüez in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, the Grenadiers had already secured their place among the many elites in League A and subsequent summer season’s Gold Cup.
Haiti’s nationwide soccer group concluded its CONCACAF Nations League (CNL) marketing campaign in dominant trend, defeating Puerto Rico 3-0 on Monday, Nov. 18. The win consolidated the Haitians’ standing as leaders of Group C, capping off an undefeated event run after securing promotion to League A and qualification for the 2025 Gold Cup.
Taking part in on the Estadio Centroamericano de Mayagüez in entrance of hundreds of Puerto Rico followers, the Haitian group showcased a mix of defensive solidity and attacking aptitude that had outlined their marketing campaign.
It took the Grenadiers 29 minutes to open the scoring by means of midfielder Christopher Attys’s header within the field from Fabrice ‘Fafa’ Picault’s service from the nook flag. The primary half would conclude 1-0 in favor of Haiti.
After the half-time break, Don Deedson Louicius prolonged the lead (2-0) within the 53′ after profitable the ball contained in the field and putting together with his left foot.
Star ahead Frantzdy Pierrot scored Haiti’s third within the 70′, connecting in entrance of purpose with a cross from fullback Martin Expérience.
A dominant marketing campaign
Haiti completed this 12 months’s Nations League competitors with an ideal document. It dominated its group by scoring 29 targets and conceding simply 5 throughout all matches, which is likely one of the finest offenses within the CNL. Monday’s win over Puerto Rico additional underlined the Haitians’ superiority, as they managed ball possession and created quite a few goal-scoring alternatives.
The group concluded with a 6-0-0 document, standing in first place of Group C. Puerto Rico completed in second place with a 3-0-3 document, forward of Aruba and Sint Maarten, which had been third and fourth, respectively.
“That is just the start. “We’ve confirmed we will compete, however now we should take it to the following stage.”
Brian Alcéus, Midfielder of the Haitian Nationwide Soccer Staff
“Regardless of challenges, this group has proven willpower and ability all through the marketing campaign, making all Haitians proud,” head coach Sebastien Migné mentioned through the post-match press convention. “It is a important milestone as we put together for more durable competitors in League A and the Gold Cup subsequent Summer season.”
The match marked a standout efficiency from substitute goalkeeper Alexandre Pierre, who began instead of the group’s captain, and veteran Johny Placide rested.
Gold Cup preparation begins
With League A promotion secured, Haiti now turns its consideration to the 2025 Gold Cup, set to happen subsequent summer season. The group’s robust efficiency has raised hopes for a deep run within the event, with gamers and training workers emphasizing the necessity for continued enchancment.
“That is just the start,” winger Picault mentioned after the match. “Our main aims to return to League A and qualify for the Gold Cup are achieved. We’ve confirmed we will compete, however now we should take it to the following stage.”
All through the 2024 Nations League competitors, Haiti confirmed that it was too robust for League B—a minimum of for the opposition in its group. Nonetheless, some observers questioned whether or not the group belonged to League A or a stage between A and B, analyzing previous performances throughout its two earlier campaigns performed in League A, the place it didn’t win a single sport.
Nonetheless, Picault is assured Haiti can play towards the area’s elite groups. “We’ve got the custom, high quality, and, extra importantly, the need to win. We all know the competitors stage awaiting us; good preparations make the distinction. I can’t wait,” he added.
But, for the Haitian followers, what issues most is a second of celebration, providing a short and uncommon respite from the challenges dealing with the nation. After each victory, followers in Port-au-Prince notably needed to pour into the streets, waving flags, chanting and dancing to rejoice their group’s accomplishment. However, concern of gang violence took over.
“I hope the safety state of affairs improves by the point the group gears up for the following part of worldwide competitors,” Joel Etienne, 31, mentioned. “Les Grenadiers’ success serves as a unifying power, bringing hope and delight to a nation in want of uplifting moments,” added Etienne, a soccer fan who lives in Orlando, Florida.