Nail-biting penalty shootout lands ASC in Haitian Soccer League final

CAP-HAÏTIEN — Association Sportive Capoise (ASC) edged traditional city rival Football Inter Club Association (FICA) 3-1 in a tense penalty shootout Wednesday evening, May 28, to secure a spot in the Haitian Soccer League final, following a goalless draw at Parc Saint-Victor.

ASC goalkeeper Yves Mary Clervin, known among fans as Ti Papa, made one save during the shootout, while FICA players missed the target on multiple attempts. Substitute Richecarde Georges netted the decisive penalty to send ASC to the May 31 final against Juventus des Cayes— a club in Haiti’s south.

“I told my players to score and I would make the saves,” Clervin said in a post-game interview with  The Haitian Times. 

“I’m very proud to send my team to the final because we worked hard for this moment.”

ASC will pursue its fourth league title in the final on Saturday against its southern counterpart.

In a season marred by controversy, protests, and no-shows, ASC’s gritty playoff victory over Football Inter Club Association (FICA) symbolizes more than a step toward a national title — it reflects the ongoing struggle to keep Haitian soccer competitive amid the country’s multidimensional crisis. The match came against a backdrop of discontent over league management, political instability and socio-economic strain that continues to disrupt sports, like nearly every sector in Haiti.

Both finalists — ASC and Juventus — automatically qualify for the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, a coveted opportunity for Haitian players to showcase their talent internationally and potentially secure contracts abroad. The Caribbean Cup will be played from August to December this year. ASC last played in a regional tournament, the Concacaf Champions Cup, in 2019. 

For many Haitian athletes, competing in international competitions is not just about winning a championship — it’s about escaping a country battling multiple crises. ASC players, coaches and trainers celebrated as if they had already won the league: dancing, weeping, lighting cigars and dragging gear bags across the turf to mimic packing for travel.

“Hard work pays off. Sleepless nights, training under the hot sun — it all paid off,” said ASC playmaker Fredelin Philistin.

Meanwhile, Juventus has yet to play a Haitian League’s championship final since attaining the country’s top soccer division. And the southerners will also take part in a regional tournament for the first time in the club’s history.

Derby turns into a war of attrition

The semifinal lacked flair but was high on intensity. Fouls came frequently as both sides threw themselves into challenges. Players from both teams took hard knocks throughout the match, requiring medical treatment on the field.

“Derbies are always like this,” Philistin said. “It’s about resistance, engagement, and who wants it more.”

ASC’s opponent in the final, Juventus des Cayes, topped Group II after a 2-0 win over Don Bosco of Pétion-Ville in the final group-stage match. Goals came from Philippo Ronaldo and Jachaziel Séraphin.

The playoffs were structured with eight teams split into two groups. ASC and FICA advanced from Group I after Tempête FC and Baltimore SC forfeited their games in protest — Tempête’s bus broke down and Baltimore never gave an official reason.

The Haitian League’s reputation for disorganization and limited resources has been further strained by the controversy surrounding these forfeits, drawing criticism from fans and officials.

Now, with the season practically over, the clubs from the northern and southern cities are focused on the prize.

ASC coach Jean Lyonel Lorquet acknowledged the magnitude of the upcoming final.

“Against Juventus, it’s not just a game — it’s for the title,” Lorquet said. “We’ll need unity from players, coaches, management, and fans.”

As Haiti reels from a deep political and security crisis, the league’s survival — and moments like this semifinal opposing ASC to FICA in the Cap-Haïtien old derby — offer a rare glimpse of joy and resilience through sport.

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