Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago Battle to 1–1 Stalemate

(image via Rudy Segura)

In a must-win match for both nations vying to escape Group D at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, the drama did not disappoint. Haiti picked up right where they left off against Saudi Arabia, dominating the opening half and pinning Trinidad & Tobago deep into their own half. Haiti racked up eight shots compared to just one for Trinidad during the first 45 minutes.

However, the match took a dramatic turn in the 39th minute. Caught out on a quick counterattack, Haitian center back Jean-Kevin Duverne was forced into a desperate challenge as the last defender, bringing down a Trinidad attacker. The result: a straight red card, leaving Haiti down to ten men. Haiti looked to possibly take a surprise lead however, after being awarded a penalty kick in first half stoppage time. After a lengthy delay, the call was overturned. Despite the setbacks, the teams went into halftime locked at 0–0.

Remarkably, it was Haiti who came out swinging in the second half. Despite being a man down, they looked even more dangerous. Their persistence paid off when striker Frantzdy Pierrot finished off a well-constructed team move to give Haiti the 1-0 lead in the 49th minute.

Trinidad eventually began to settle into the game, stringing together longer spells of possession and targeting Haiti’s vulnerable left side with quick through balls. In the 64th minute, wingback Tyrese Spicer found himself in front of goal, only to see his shot ricochet off the right post of goalkeeper Johny Placide.

Moments later, Trinidad’s growing pressure earned them a free kick on that same exposed flank. The set piece found the head of Justin Garcia, whose powerful finish brought the match level at 1–1 in the 68th minute.

The game opened up from there, with both sides trading chances like featherweight boxers searching for a knockout. Haiti looked poised to deliver that final blow when a sharp transition led to a cutback inside the box and a clumsy challenge—earning them a penalty. But with the chance to seal the win, in the 86th minute, Mondy Prunier sent his shot over the crossbar, leaving the match tied.

The closing minutes saw more action, including a dangerous Trinidad free kick that was punched away and a final flurry of Haitian attacks, none of which could break through. Despite the excitement and intensity, the 1–1 draw leaves both teams with just a point—making their path to the knockout stage increasingly difficult heading into the final group match.

Trinidad and Tobago will take on Saudi Arabia in their final group stage match on Sunday. Haiti face a match up with the United States.

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