Haiti beats Puerto Rico 4-1, but Migné's starting lineup remains questionable | ANALYSIS

CAP-HAÏTIEN – Haiti overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit to defeat Puerto Rico 4-1 in the opening match of the 2024-25 Concacaf Nations League on Friday night. The Grenadiers turned the game around after head coach Sebastien Migné made two impactful substitutions at half-time, raising questions about his original lineup decisions.

Haiti's all-time leading scorer Duckens Nazon and rising star Louicius Don Deedson started on the bench but were substituted at halftime. Both players scored in the second half, alongside Danley Jean-Jacques and Frantzdy Pierrot, who also scored.

Migné, who has been criticized for his coaching decisions, took charge of the Haitian team in March. His tasks include helping Haiti qualify for the men's World Cup for the first time in 54 years and gain promotion to League A of the Nations League. If things continue, Migné's tendency not to field his strongest team from the start in competitive matches could hinder the team's goals. Haiti's coaching history has been turbulent and has had a significant impact on players' performance.

Difficulties in the first half

Migné initially played Mikaël Cantave on the right side of attack, even though he is primarily a midfielder and has scored just one goal in 21 games for the Vancouver Football Club this season. Cantave last scored for Haiti in October 2023, but provided an assist in a 3-1 win over Barbados in a World Cup qualifier in June. He wasted a goal-scoring opportunity in the 16th minute when he hit the crossbar from inside the box.

Pierrot also struggled to find the net in the first half. In the 18th minute, he fired a weak shot with his left foot on a promising counterattack. Puerto Rico goalkeeper Joel Mercado made an excellent save. In the 26th minute, Pierrot wasted another chance when he shot wide after moving into the box.

Despite Pierrot's impressive record of 24 goals in 46 appearances for Maccabi Haifa FC in Israel last season, he has struggled in recent matches against Haiti. Nazon, who scored once in two recent qualifiers, might have been a better starting line-up.

Puerto Rico took advantage of Haiti's missed opportunities and took a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute when Geraldo Díaz scored after a defensive error by Haitian goalkeeper Johny Placide.

Turnaround in the second half

Major League Soccer (MLS) player and Philadelphia Union midfielder Jean-Jacques initiated Haiti's comeback with a low volley five minutes into the second half, levelling the game at 1-1. Pierrot scored nine minutes later, deflecting a loose ball into the net to give Haiti a 2-1 lead.

Substitute Deedson needed fewer chances to score than Pierrot. He took a pass from Dany Jean, dribbled into the box and beat the goalkeeper. Deedson, now Haiti's number 10, has shown potential but has not always been in the starting line-up.

Nazon showed his form with a solo effort, dribbling past two defenders to score in the 83rd minute, adding a crucial element that was missing in the first half.

The Grenadiers will face Sint Maarten in the Nations League on September 9, giving Migné another opportunity to refine his lineup.

While Migné is undefeated with a record of 3 wins, 0 losses and 1 draw, the team's performances against weaker opposition have been lackluster, largely due to slow starts. As Haiti faces stronger opposition, establishing a consistent starting lineup will be crucial for Migné.

Future prospects

Migné's decision to start 18-year-old Belmar Joseph in midfield was unexpected, but Joseph performed well and showed his potential.

The GrenadiersThe upcoming match against Sint Maarten on September 9 will provide Migné with another chance to adjust his strategies and select in-form players. Although the team is undefeated, the inconsistent performances show that a stable and effective starting lineup is needed for future success.

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