Overview:
Despite an uneven performance, Les Grenadières defeated Suriname 2-0 in the World Cup qualifiers in head coach Pia Mariane Sundhage’s debut. The experienced and internationally renowned coach began implementing her system immediately, but the players will need time to fully adapt.
CAP-HAÏTIEN — From deploying a three-player back line to starting an inexperienced goalkeeper in a World Cup qualifier, head coach Pia Mariane Sundhage made several debatable decisions in her first game in charge of Haiti’s women’s national team. Still, she guided Les Grenadières to a 2-0 victory over Suriname away at Franklin Essed Stadium.
Haiti struggled to connect passes while adjusting to the 2012 FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year’s style of play. Although cohesion was lacking for long stretches, particularly in the first half, there were flashes of promise suggesting the team could improve under Sundhage’s leadership. The players gradually adapted but never fully found their rhythm before the final whistle.
Winger Roseline Eloissaint opened the scoring in the 68th minute, capitalizing on a poor clearance by the Suriname goalkeeper to finish with a powerful shot from a tight angle into an empty net. Team captain Melchie Daëlle Dumornay sealed the victory with a penalty in the 89th minute.
Midfielder and captain Melchie Daëlle Dumornay (#6) and forward Roseline Eloissaint (#11) celebrate Haiti’s first goal against Suriname during the CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifiers match at Franklin Essed Stadium on March 3, 2026. Photo credit: FHF Media
Despite the modest scoreline and numerous misplaced passes, the atmosphere at Franklin Essed Stadium suggested optimism for the team’s future. The players appeared determined to adapt to Sundhage’s tactical approach — a contrast with previous performances that often lacked structure and energy.
Even with the uneven performance, Haiti’s game plan appeared clearer than in recent matches, when the team often looked disorganized. Although mistakes were frequent, the players did not appear frustrated or discouraged. Instead, they remained engaged — a sign they may already be buying into Sundhage’s system.
After the final whistle, Sundhage gathered her players into a smiling huddle — a gesture that could help strengthen team unity and trust.
If there was ever an opponent against whom to experiment with a new system, it was a developing team like Suriname. Despite their struggles, Les Grenadières scored twice and kept a clean sheet.
It was not a dream debut, but Sundhage accomplished two essential objectives: winning and laying the foundation for a new tactical identity.
Three-player defense could work with the right personnel
Using a three-player back line was not necessarily a mistake. However, the defenders chosen for the system raised questions.
Sundhage positioned Jennyfer Limage centrally, flanked by Claire Constant on the right and Amandine Pierre-Louis on the left.
Limage, primarily a defensive midfielder, repeatedly attempted difficult forward passes in tight spaces rather than opting for simpler distribution. The 28-year-old lost possession several times while trying to initiate attacks from the back.
Limage also played center back under former coach Malou Quignette and struggled with similar passing issues then. In midfield, however, her passing risks would be less costly, with defenders positioned behind her to recover possession.
Those mistakes did not lead to a goal against Suriname, but stronger opponents could punish such errors. On Oct. 28, in a friendly game against Morocco, for example, a defensive turnover by Limage led directly to a goal.
Pierre-Louis also seemed an imperfect fit in a back three, as her style favors overlapping runs down the flank. Constant appeared the most comfortable in the system.
Another possible option for a three-player defense could be Kethna Louis, who can play both center back and left back, but she was not called up despite being healthy.
Sundhage also surprisingly left out star forward Nérilia Mondésir, who recently extended her contract with Seattle Reign FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She is in excellent form, preparing for the club’s regular-season opener on March 15.
It’s not the time to groom young and new goalkeepers
Naïla Louissaint, a 21-year-old freshman at Montreal-based Concordia University, made her debut for Haiti.
Although she kept a clean sheet, her lack of experience was noticeable. Louissaint appeared hesitant when coming off her line during corner kicks and occasionally positioned herself too far from her goal while Haiti was in possession. In the 47th minute, a back pass from Constant nearly led to a costly mistake.
Still, Louissaint showed potential, including a point-blank save in the 22nd minute.
Sundhage’s other goalkeeping options include two additional young players: 20-year-old Kaina César Pietrus and 19-year-old Mahe Lee Caron. Pietrus may have been the safer choice, having already spent a year with the national team.
While these young goalkeepers show promise, World Cup qualifiers may not be the ideal stage for development. Friendly matches would provide a lower-risk environment, particularly as Haiti prepares to face stronger opponents later in the qualifying campaign.
Haiti also has a veteran goalkeeper, Kerly Théus, who represented the country at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, she has not been called up recently due to travel limitations from the United States. Reintegrating Théus could help stabilize the position if circumstances allow.
Sundhage also started three other relatively unfamiliar players: 21-year-old winger Joséphine Vanuxeem, 27-year-old midfielder Anyssa Ibrahim and 21-year-old midfielder Déborah Bien-Aimé.
Vanuxeem and Ibrahim were substituted at halftime, with Sherly Jeudy and Eloissaint among the players entering the match. Those changes helped Haiti gain attacking momentum in the second half, particularly leading up to Eloissaint’s opening goal.
Sundhage, hired less than a month ago, is learning her squad’s strengths and weaknesses. Still, fans remain optimistic and enthusiastic about what’s ahead.
Haiti’s next World Cup qualifier is scheduled for April 9 against Anguilla — another opportunity to refine the system against a developing opponent.
But as the competition intensifies, narrow and unconvincing victories may not satisfy fans.
Les Grenadières must not only win — they must also rediscover the attractive, confident style of football that once made them one of the rising forces in women’s soccer.
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