Overview:
Haiti’s women’s national soccer team reached the second round of the World Cup qualifiers after drawing with the Dominican Republic 1-1. But despite the result in a group Haiti dominated with three victories, one draw and zero defeat, Les Grenadières struggled to show the level of play fans and analysts think they are capable of. This article highlights four key observations from their substandard display.
CAP-HAÏTIEN — Haiti’s women’s national soccer team advanced to the second and final round of the World Cup qualifiers after a 1-1 draw with the Dominican Republic at Roger-Zami Stadium in Rosier, Guadeloupe.
Haiti finished atop Group D with 10 points, ahead of the Dominican Republic’s 8. But despite the result, Les Grenadières again fell short of expectations on April 17.
Passes frequently broke down, possession was easily lost and the team lacked precision in front of the goal. Rainy conditions and a poor playing surface at Roger-Zami Stadium complicated play, while the Dominican Republic’s defensive setup slowed Haiti’s attack. Still, those factors do not fully explain a pattern of underperformance that has persisted for nearly three years.
Star midfielder Melchie Dumornay missed the match with an injury. Even without her, Haiti— a stronger team on paper than its group opponents— was expected to win.
Head coach Pia Sundhage, hired in February to rebuild a team that reached the 2023 World Cup, has yet to see consistent improvement after three matches in charge. The team shows increased intensity but still struggles to complete basic sequences.
Those issues could prove costly in the next round, where Haiti may face regional powers such as the United States, Mexico and Canada. At its current level, qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil appears unlikely.
Sherly Jeudy gave Haiti the lead in the 67th minute, heading in a pass from Jennifer Lymage. The Dominican Republic equalized in the 73rd minute, setting up a tense finish as Haiti needed at least a draw to advance.
The result was enough. Haiti secured first place and moved on.
Here are four takeaways from the match.
1. Goalkeeper concerns remain
Kaïna Cesar Pietrus, 20, has served as Haiti’s starting goalkeeper since last year. She shows potential but lacks experience and consistency.
She conceded on a low shot that appeared within reach — a moment that highlighted ongoing concerns at the position.
Océanie Toussaint, a reserve goalkeeper for French club Paris Saint-Germain, was called up but did not play. She also lacks consistent club minutes. Veteran Kerly Théus has not been recalled since 2023, reportedly due to administrative issues.
Haiti must stabilize its goalkeeping situation to compete at a higher level.
2. Keep Borgella in her natural role
Roselord Borgella, 33, remains one of Haiti’s most talented forwards but continues to be used out of position.
She spent much of the match on the wings, despite being most effective as a central striker. Borgella is a clinical finisher but does not have the stamina for constant wide runs. Using her centrally would better maximize her strengths.
By the second half, fatigue was evident. In the 61st minute, during a minute when she was visible taking a breather, the ball unexpectedly came to her. Since Borgella was caught off guard and was exhausted, she struck a poor shot and was subbed in the 64th minute alongside midfielder Anyssa Ibrahim.
3. Substitutions come too late
Fatigue affected multiple players, including Borgella, who struggled before being substituted in the 64th minute.
Midfielder Anyssa Ibrahim was also replaced late despite signs of fatigue. Delayed substitutions disrupted the team’s rhythm and limited impact.
Through three matches, Sundhage has consistently waited too long to make changes — a pattern that has contributed to uneven performances.
4. Mondésir steps up — and must stay consistent
With Dumornay sidelined, captain Nérilia Mondésir delivered one of her stronger recent performances.
Long viewed as the team’s second star, Mondésir had struggled with consistency. Against the Dominican Republic, she was more active and assertive, leading the attack.
Maintaining that level will be critical, especially when Dumornay returns. Haiti cannot rely on a single player to carry the team if it hopes to return to the World Cup.
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