San José, Costa Rica — Haiti stunned the football world with a stirring comeback on Tuesday night, rallying from two goals down to earn a dramatic 3–3 draw with Costa Rica at the Estadio Nacional. Duckens Nazon was the undisputed hero, recording a hat-trick against the legendary Keylor Navas and proving that Haitian football is on the rise.
Costa Rica Takes Early Control
The match opened with Costa Rica striking immediately. Kenneth Vargas scored in the 1st minute, setting the tone for what looked like a dominant night for Los Ticos. Their momentum carried forward as Alonso Martínez doubled the lead in the 35th minute, putting Haiti under severe pressure.
Nazon Inspires the Fightback
Refusing to concede defeat, Haiti fought its way back through the brilliance of Duckens Nazon. In the 55th minute, he broke through Costa Rica’s backline to put Haiti on the board. Just three minutes later, in the 58th minute, he struck again, bringing the game level at 2–2 and silencing the Costa Rican supporters.
Costa Rica responded late, with Juan Pablo Vargas scoring in stoppage time (90+1’) to restore their lead. Yet Nazon was unshaken. In the 86th minute, he completed his hat-trick with a composed finish past Navas, securing the final 3–3 result and etching his name into Haitian football history.
A Hat-Trick Against a Legend
Scoring three times against Navas, a goalkeeper whose resume includes Champions League titles with Real Madrid and World Cup heroics, is a rare achievement. Nazon’s clinical finishing showcased not only his personal talent but also Haiti’s determination to rise against the odds.
More Than a Result: A Symbol of Resilience
Though the scoreline shows a draw, for Haiti the performance felt like a victory. Coming back from 2–0 down in Costa Rica’s capital demonstrated the squad’s heart, discipline, and belief. It was not only a footballing triumph but also a metaphor for Haiti itself.
Just as Nazon and his teammates bounced back to earn respect on the pitch, Haitians are striving to bring their nation back on its feet. The resilience, pride, and determination shown in San José mirror the spirit of a country working to rebuild and shape a stronger future.
Looking Ahead
With Duckens Nazon leading a promising new generation, Haiti is no longer content to be seen as a regional underdog. The draw against Costa Rica was a declaration: Haiti’s football is growing, its spirit is unbreakable, and its best days—on and off the field—are still ahead.
Match Details
- Final Score: Costa Rica 3–3 Haiti
- Goals:
- Costa Rica — Kenneth Vargas (1’), Alonso Martínez (35’), Juan Pablo Vargas (90+1’)
- Haiti — Duckens Nazon (55’, 58’, 86’)
- Date: September 9, 2025, 10:00 PM
- Venue: Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica, San José
- Referee: Tori Penso
The Haitian Tribune
