Haiti triumphs over Puerto Rico to complete an undefeated CONCACAF Nations League run

Haiti’s national soccer team concluded its CONCACAF Nations League (CNL) campaign in dominant fashion, defeating Puerto Rico 3-0 on Monday, Nov. 18. The win consolidated the Haitians’ status as leaders of Group C, capping off an undefeated tournament run after securing promotion to League A and qualification for the 2025 Gold Cup.

Playing at the Estadio Centroamericano de Mayagüez in front of thousands of Puerto Rico fans, the Haitian team showcased a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair that had defined their campaign. 

It took the Grenadiers 29 minutes to open the scoring through midfielder Christopher Attys’s header in the box from Fabrice ‘Fafa’ Picault’s service from the corner flag. The first half would conclude 1-0 in favor of Haiti.

After the half-time break, Don Deedson Louicius extended the lead (2-0) in the 53′ after winning the ball inside the box and striking with his left foot.

Star forward Frantzdy Pierrot scored Haiti’s third in the 70′, connecting in front of goal with a cross from fullback Martin Expérience.

A dominant campaign

Haiti finished this year’s Nations League competition with a perfect record. It dominated its group by scoring 29 goals and conceding just five across all matches, which is one of the best offenses in the CNL. Monday’s win over Puerto Rico further underlined the Haitians’ superiority, as they controlled ball possession and created numerous goal-scoring opportunities. 

The team concluded with a 6-0-0 record, standing in first place of Group C.  Puerto Rico finished in second place with a 3-0-3 record, ahead of Aruba and Sint Maarten, which were third and fourth, respectively.

 “This is just the beginning. “We’ve proven we can compete, but now we must take it to the next level.”

 Fabrice “Fafa” Picault, Star Player of the Haitian National Soccer Team

 “Despite challenges, this team has shown determination and skill throughout the campaign, making all Haitians proud,” head coach Sebastien Migné said during the post-match press conference. “This is a significant milestone as we prepare for tougher competition in League A and the Gold Cup next Summer.”

The match marked a standout performance from substitute goalkeeper Alexandre Pierre, who started in place of the team’s captain, and veteran Johny Placide rested.

Gold Cup preparation begins  

With League A promotion secured, Haiti now turns its attention to the 2025 Gold Cup, set to take place next summer. The team’s strong performance has raised hopes for a deep run in the tournament, with players and coaching staff emphasizing the need for continued improvement.

                                                                                                            

“This is just the beginning,” winger Picault said after the match. “Our primary objectives to return to League A and qualify for the Gold Cup are achieved. We’ve proven we can compete, but now we must take it to the next level.”

Throughout the 2024 Nations League competition, Haiti showed that it was too strong for League B—at least for the opposition in its group. Still, some observers wondered whether the team belonged to League A or a level between A and B, analyzing past performances during its two previous campaigns played in League A, where it did not win a single game. 

However, Picault is confident Haiti can play against the region’s elite teams. “We have the tradition, quality, and, more importantly, the will to win. We know the competition level awaiting us; good preparations make the difference. I can’t wait,” he added.

 Yet, for the Haitian fans, what matters most is a moment of celebration, offering a brief and rare respite from the challenges facing the nation. After every victory, fans in Port-au-Prince particularly wanted to pour into the streets, waving flags, chanting and dancing to celebrate their team’s accomplishment. But, fear of gang violence took over.

“I hope the security situation improves by the time the team gears up for the next phase of international competition,” Joel Etienne, 31, said. “Les Grenadiers’ success serves as a unifying force, bringing hope and pride to a nation in need of uplifting moments,” added Etienne, a soccer fan who lives in Orlando, Florida.

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Haiti triumphs over Puerto Rico to complete an undefeated CONCACAF Nations League run was first posted on November 19, 2024 at 9:42 am.