HOUSTON, Texas – Haiti started their campaign off with a 2-1 win over Qatar in the opening match of Group B of the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup group stage on Sunday night at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
This was the first official encounter between the two nations, as Qatar was back for its second appearance against a tournament regular in Haiti, who was making a third consecutive participation.
The reigning Asian Cup champions tested Haiti goalkeeper Alexandre Pierre early with a long range shot by Bassam Al Rawi in the 11’.
Yusuf Abdurisag then scored the opening goal to place the tournament invitees in the lead in the 20’, converting inside the box with a beautiful curling ball.
The opportunity originated from a free kick opportunity, with Pierre getting a punch on it, but the 23-year-old Qatari was there to clean up the play and collect his second international goal in the process.
A handball in the 44’ provided Haiti a chance to tie the encounter. Duckens Nazon stepped up to the penalty spot and converted for his 28th international goal and eighth career Gold Cup goal, pulling him level with legendary players Paulo Wanchope (CRC), Brian McBride (USA), Carlos Ruiz (GUA), Carlo Costly (HON) and Gabriel Torres (PAN) for seventh on the all-time scoring chart.
Haiti’s Derrick Etienne Jr. was then denied by the woodwork in the 52’ after collecting a second opportunity on a cross inside the box. Ricardo Ade had a good look on a free kick from short range in the 64’, but Qatar GK Meshaal Barsham grasped it to avoid any danger.
Haiti would obtain the game winner in second half stoppage time, though, on a breakaway opportunity, as Nazon crossed it into the box to an incoming Frantzdy Pierrot, who muscled off the defender and redirected into net for the 2-1 winner.
Haiti will return to action in Group B to face Mexico on June 29th at State Farm Stadium, while Qatar will take on Honduras at the same venue.
