Haiti’s Gold Cup Hope Still Alive After Draw with Trinidad — But It’s All or Nothing Now
By The Haitian Pulse Editorial Team | June 13, 2025
HOUSTON, TX — Haiti’s men’s national team is still in the fight at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup after a gritty 1–1 draw against Trinidad & Tobago. Though not the win fans were hoping for, the result keeps Haiti’s hopes alive heading into a decisive final group-stage showdown against Saudi Arabia.
Haiti vs. Trinidad: A Battle of Will
Tuesday night’s match was anything but smooth. Haiti entered the second half with just ten men after Jean-Kévin Duverne was shown a red card in the 39th minute — a decision that shifted the game’s tone dramatically.
Still, the Haitian squad came out swinging in the second half, with forward Frantzdy Pierrot converting a sharp cross from Louicius Don Deedson in the 49th minute to give Haiti a hard-earned lead. That moment, however, was short-lived. Trinidad & Tobago answered back in the 68th minute with a header from Justin García, leveling the score.
A golden opportunity to win the game slipped through Haiti’s fingers when Mondy Prunier missed a late penalty in the 86th minute, a moment that left Haitian fans heartbroken and hopeful all at once.
Where Haiti Stands Now
With two group-stage matches played, Haiti has one point from a draw and one loss (against the USA). That places the team in a tight race in Group D alongside Trinidad, Saudi Arabia, and the USA.
The U.S. sits atop the group with six points and has already secured a place in the knockout round. Saudi Arabia follows with three points, while Haiti and Trinidad each have one. That sets the stage for a high-stakes final round of group matches.
What Haiti Must Do Next
The math is simple now: Haiti must beat Saudi Arabia in their final match on June 22. A victory would give Haiti four points — likely enough to claim second place and advance, depending on the result of the USA vs. Trinidad match.
A draw? That would all but eliminate Haiti.
A loss? Haiti goes home early.
And goal difference matters. If both Haiti and another team finish on four points, the team with the better goal record advances. That means Haiti not only has to win — it may have to win decisively.
The Mental Game: Confidence & Control
Despite the draw, Haiti showed character and resilience against Trinidad, playing half the match down a man and still managing to control long stretches. But lapses in discipline and missed chances have haunted this squad before — and they can’t afford either against a Saudi team that already tasted victory once in the group.
This is where mental strength meets tactical precision. Coach Sébastien Migné will need to inspire both, while players like Pierrot, Nazon, and Deedson must lead on the pitch.
A Nation Watches
Haiti has always punched above its weight in international football, and this tournament is no different. But the time for near misses is over. With everything on the line in the final group match, Haiti has one path: win and stay alive, or fall and go home.
Either way, The Haitian Pulse will be there — watching, cheering, and telling the story of a team that refuses to be counted out.
But this isn’t just about football. At The Haitian Pulse, we go beyond the final whistle—bringing you bold reporting on sports, politics, current events, and culture that matter to the Haitian community and beyond. We report real stories, with real consequences.
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