Haiti qualifies for FIFA Women’s World Cup for first time

Haiti, ranked 55th in the world, will face European champion England in its opening match in Brisbane on July 22.

Published : Feb 22, 2023 09:53 IST , AUCKLAND

FILE PHOTO: Haiti‘s Roselord Borgella celebrates.
FILE PHOTO: Haiti‘s Roselord Borgella celebrates. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
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FILE PHOTO: Haiti‘s Roselord Borgella celebrates. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Haiti qualified for football’s Women’s World Cup for the first time in its history with a 2-1 win over Chile on Wednesday at a play-off tournament in New Zealand.

It joins England, Denmark and China in Group D of the World Cup, co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.

Haiti, ranked 55th in the world, will face European champion England in its opening match in Brisbane on July 22.

Teenage midfielder Melchie Dumornay, who plays for French club Stade de Reims, gave Haiti the lead just before half time in Auckland.

There was drama in the closing stages.

Haiti had a penalty saved with 90 minutes approaching when captain Nerilia Mondesir saw her weak penalty palmed away.

However, the 19-year-old Dumornay doubled Haiti’s lead when she calmly slotted past Chile goalkeeper Christiane Endler in added time.

Substitute Maria Jose Rojas scored a consolation for Chile at the death.

The match was the first of three finals at the play-off tournament to decide the final spots at the World Cup.

Portugal plays Cameroon later on Wednesday in Hamilton.

The winner will join reigning world champion the United States, 2019 finalist Netherlands and Vietnam in Group E at the World Cup.

The last qualifying spot will be decided on Thursday when Paraguay faces Panama. The winner will meet France, Jamaica and Brazil in Group F.

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