Frantzdy Pierrot’s goal is not enough as Grenadiers’ qualification hopes fade
In a crucial and emotionally charged encounter during the third and final round of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers, Haiti’s national team, the Grenadiers, faced off against Trinidad & Tobago’s “Soca Warriors” at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. Despite a strong start and early dominance, the match ended in a disappointing 1–1 draw, leaving Haiti’s hopes of advancing to the next stage hanging by a thread.
Starting XI and Tactical Adjustment
French head coach Sébastien Migné made just one change to the squad that played Saudi Arabia in their previous outing—Ruben Providence was given the nod over Christopher Attys. Haiti’s lineup featured:
- #1 Johny Placide (Captain) – SC Bastia, France
- #2 Carlens Arcus – Angers SCO, France
- #4 Ricardo Adé – LDU Quito, Ecuador
- #8 Martin Expérience – AS Nancy Lorraine, France
- #9 Duckens Nazon – Kayserispor, Turkey
- #10 Deedson Louicius – OB Odense, Denmark
- #14 Leverton Pierre – Châteauroux, France
- #17 Danley Jean-Jacques – Philadelphia Union, USA
- #18 Ruben Providence – Almere City, Netherlands
- #20 Frantzdy Pierrot – AEK Athens, Greece
- #22 Jean-Kévin Duverne – KV Kortrijk, Belgium
Before kickoff, Migné remarked in a sideline interview: “I’m treating this match as a final. Finals are meant to be won, and I expect my players to deliver.”
Match Recap: A Game of Highs and Heartbreak
From the opening whistle, Haiti asserted control, dominating possession and tempo. However, a critical blow came in the 40th minute when Jean-Kévin Augustin was shown a red card, forcing the Grenadiers to go a man down. Coach Migné quickly responded by subbing out striker Duckens Nazon for defender Garven Metusala to reinforce the backline. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the score remained 0–0 at halftime.
Just four minutes into the second half, Haiti struck first. In the 49th minute, Frantzdy Pierrot buried a clinical right-footed strike past Marvin Phillip after a slick assist from Deedson Louicius at the edge of the box, putting Haiti up 1–0.
But the lead didn’t last. In the 68th minute, Trinidad & Tobago responded with a header from Justin Garcia, who capitalized on a well-placed free kick from Kevin Molin, beating Johny Placide to level the score at 1–1.
Late-game drama unfolded in the 86th minute when Haiti was awarded a penalty after Wilguens Paugain was fouled in the box. Substitute Mondy Prunier stepped up—but his shot sailed over the crossbar, crushing the Grenadiers’ chance for a last-minute victory.
Adding to the frustration, Pierrot had a potential winning goal disallowed for a marginal offside, and a first-half penalty initially awarded to Haiti was overturned after review—controversial decisions that may have influenced the final result.
Substitutions
- 42’: Garven Metusala in for Duckens Nazon
- 70’: Wilguens Paugain in for Carlens Arcus
- 71’: Christopher Attys in for Ruben Providence
- 81’: Mondy Prunier in for Frantzdy Pierrot
- 81’: Dany Jean in for Deedson Louicius
Goalscorers
- Haiti: Frantzdy Pierrot (49’)
- Trinidad & Tobago: Justin Garcia (68’)
Group D Standings (After Matchday 2)
| Team | MP | GF | GA | W | D | L | Pts |
| United States | 2 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Saudi Arabia | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Haiti | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Trinidad & Tobago | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Looking Ahead: Final Group D Match
- June 22, 2025 — AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
🇭🇹 Haiti vs. United States 🇺🇸
With just one point from two matches, Haiti’s chances of advancing are slim, with qualification odds hovering below 20%. Nevertheless, Coach Migné and the Grenadiers will look to play with pride and determination in their final group-stage match against a dominant U.S. side.
Stay with The Haitian Tribune for continued coverage of Haiti’s journey in the Gold Cup 2025.
