Haiti has beaten Honduras 1-0 at Sporting Park to go second in Group A of the 2015 CONCACAF GOLD CUP and apply the pressure to Panama. A winner in the first game of the double header in Kansas would all but eliminate Panama as they face the group favorites and hosts United States.
Haiti needed just one chance in the first half to secure the win. Despite having nearly 56% possession and completing 68 more passes, Honduras was only able to get off eight shots, with just two on target. Haiti was able to duplicate those stats. Haiti’s scoring opportunity came from a Johnny Placide long ball that was headed into the box. Donis Escobar failed to get off his line quick enough to cover the ball and Duckens Nazon was clinical with his finish.
Honduras was able to control possession largely because Haiti’s game plan was to bunker in. When Honduras looked content to slow play the ball and pick out passes rather than drive in alone, Haiti’s game plan became really effective. With nine or ten men behind the ball, the passing lanes were non-existent. Honduras did manage to play a few balls over the top in the second half, but the headers were wide of the mark each time.
Perhaps the most disappointing portion of the game was the final 15 minutes. Honduras was down and needed to press for at least an equalizer, but showed no urgency or drive as the clock kept ticking. For the 2014 World Cup participants, this was an odd site to see. It should be noted, that while most of the Honduran team appeared to have given up, Andy Najar was putting it all on the line and attempting to make things happen all by himself.
Haiti’s win bucks to trends. First the win is Haiti’s first against Honduras since 2007. The win also eliminates Honduras from the 2015 Gold Cup during the group stage, the first such exit for the team since 2003.
Man of the Match: James Marcelin. The Haitian midfielder was everywhere tonight, clogging the middle, and disrupting play. He had a couple chances at goal while pressing forward when possible.
Haiti’s fate is now in the hands of Panama. If Panama fails to get a win against the United States, Haiti will advance to the knockout stages for the third time and the first since 2009.