BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – For the first time in their footballing history, Haiti will be featuring in the FIFA Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place between July 20 and August 20, 2023
The third largest country in the Caribbean proved unstoppable as they triumphed 2-1 over highly rated Chile on Wednesday in the ongoing playoff tournament decided inside North Harbour Stadium, Auckland in New Zealand.
With this victory, the Haitians have now joined England, Denmark, and China in Group D of the month-long World Cup which will be co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
Ranked 55th in the world, Haiti will face European champions England in their opening match in Brisbane on July 22.
On Wednesday night, teenage midfielder Melchie Dumornay, who plays for French club Stade de Reims, gave Haiti the lead just before halftime in Auckland.
However, the closing stages of the keenly contested encounter were full of drama as Haiti saw a penalty saved with 90 minutes approaching when captain Nerilia Mondesir saw her tamely taken penalty palmed away by the Chilean goalkeeper, Christiane Endler
However, the 19-year-old Dumornay came to the party as she doubled Haiti’s lead by calmly slotting the ball past keeper Endler in added time while substitute Maria Jose Rojas scored a consolation for Chile at the death.
The match was the first of three finals at the play-off tournament to decide the final spots at the World Cup. Portugal will play Cameroon later today, Wednesday in Hamilton.
The winners will join reigning world champions the United States, Vietnam, and 2019 finalists Netherlands in Group E at the World Cup.
The last qualifying spot will be decided on Thursday when Paraguay will be taking on Panama with the winners meeting France, Jamaica, and Brazil in Group F of the tournament.
