Overview:
Haiti’s head coach, Sebastien Migné, didn’t begin star striker Duckens Nazon or rising expertise Louicius Don Deedson within the Nations League recreation in opposition to Puerto Rico, resulting in first-half struggles in assault. Migné subbed in each gamers at halftime, they usually contributed to Les Grenadiers’ 4-1 victory.
CAP-HAÏTIEN — Haiti overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit to defeat Puerto Rico 4-1 of their opening recreation of Friday night time’s 2024-25 Concacaf Nations League opener. Les Grenadiers turned the sport round after head coach Sebastien Migné made two impactful halftime substitutions, resulting in questions on his preliminary lineup selections.
Haiti’s all-time high scorer, Duckens Nazon, and rising star Louicius Don Deedson began on the bench however have been subbed in at halftime. Each gamers discovered the online within the second half, alongside Danley Jean-Jacques and Frantzdy Pierrot, who additionally scored.
Migné, criticized for his teaching choices, assumed management of the Haitian crew in March. His challenges embrace serving to Haiti qualify for the lads’s World Cup for the primary time in 54 years and attaining promotion to League A within the Nations League. If it continues, Migné’s tendency to keep away from beginning his most potent lineup in aggressive matches may hinder the crew’s objectives. Haiti’s historical past with coaches has been tumultuous, considerably affecting participant efficiency.
First-half struggles
Migné initially positioned Mikaël Cantave on the precise aspect of the assault, although he’s primarily a midfielder with only one objective in 21 video games for Vancouver Soccer Membership this season. Cantave final scored for Haiti in October 2023 however did present an help in a 3-1 win in opposition to Barbados in a World Cup qualifier in June. He missed a scoring alternative within the sixteenth minute, hitting the crossbar from contained in the field.
Pierrot additionally struggled to search out the online within the first half, with a weak left-footed shot in a promising counterattack within the 18th minute. Puerto Rico’s goalkeeper, Joel Mercado, made an impressive kick-save. Pierrot missed one other probability within the twenty sixth minute, capturing off-target after reducing contained in the field.
Regardless of Pierrot’s spectacular document of 24 objectives in 46 appearances for Maccabi Haifa F.C. in Israel final season, he has confronted difficulties in current video games with Haiti. Nazon, who scored as soon as in two current qualifiers, might need been a greater beginning choice.
Puerto Rico capitalized on Haiti’s missed alternatives, taking a 1-0 lead within the twenty eighth minute when Geraldo Díaz scored following a defensive mishap by Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide.
Second-half turnaround
Main League Soccer (MLS) participant, Philadelphia Union’s midfielder Jean-Jacques, ignited Haiti’s comeback with a low volley 5 minutes into the second half, tying the sport at 1-1. Pierrot then scored 9 minutes later, deflecting a unfastened ball into the online to provide Haiti the lead 1-2.
Substitute Deedson, not like Pierrot, wanted fewer probabilities to attain. He managed a cross from Dany Jean, dribbled into the field, and elegantly beat the keeper. Deedson, now Haiti’s Quantity 10, has proven potential however has not persistently began.
Nazon demonstrated his kind with a solo effort, dribbling previous two defenders to attain within the 83rd minute, including an important factor lacking from the primary half.
Les Grenadiers will face Sint Maarten on Sept. 9 within the Nations League, providing Migné one other alternative to refine his lineup.
Whereas Migné stays undefeated with a 3W-0L-1D document, the crew’s performances in opposition to weaker opponents have been lackluster, primarily on account of gradual begins. Establishing a constant beginning lineup will probably be essential for Migné as Haiti faces stronger opponents.
Future prospects
Migné’s choice to start out 18-year-old Belmar Joseph in midfield was surprising, but Joseph carried out nicely, showcasing his potential.
Les Grenadiers‘ upcoming match in opposition to Sint Maarten on Sept. 9 offers one other probability for Migné to regulate his methods and choose in-form gamers. Regardless of being undefeated, the crew’s inconsistent performances spotlight the necessity for a secure and efficient beginning lineup to attain future success.