Haiti played Chile at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland on Wednesday, 22 February 2023. Photo credit: FIFA via website.
Haiti entered Group D as the underdog, having secured a place in the group stage of a FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time and being pitted against England, Denmark and China. So far Haiti have put on an impressive performance against England and China, and will face Denmark in their final game. Despite losing both games, the side packs abundance of talent and based on their previous and current performances, provide a crucial backbone to the side in their bid to provide an upset.
Nerilia Mondesir
A forward who was one of the stars of the U20 World Cup qualification in 2018 and has continued to rise since then. She has captained the national team and currently plays as a forward for Division 1 side Montpellier HSC. At twenty-four years of age, she is one of the more experienced and high-quality players in the side. She boasts pace, an eye for goal and a killer left foot. Her determination on and off the ball will be crucial as the side fights against the top teams.
Melchie Dumornay
Melchie Dumornay is the player who stole headlines after her brace against Chile secured qualification to Australia & New Zealand. However, her story started way before this. Like Mondesir, she was also one of the players which featured in the U20 World Cup in 2018, at which point Dumornay was just fifteen years old. She previously played for Stade de Reims in Division 1 Femenines but has been snapped up by historic champions Olympiques Lyonnais. Capable of setting off bullet shots with both feet and an explosive pace to boot, she is one to watch when Haiti sniff the chance of a counter-attack.
Roselord Borgella
Roselord Borgella is very versatile on the pitch and has been utilised across the wings and even in defensive positions but has mostly featured in the forward line for Haiti. She scored a brace against Senegal setting the team well on its way to the qualification. Her height and strength will make her a target for set-pieces as well as when whipping crosses into the box. She currently also plays in Division 1 Femenine with Dijon FCO. At thirty years old she is one of the oldest members of the squad, though perhaps that is one of the key reasons why coach Nicolas Delépine may want her on the plane.
Batcheba Louis
Batcheba Louis is a crafty attacking midfielder who dons the shirt of Fleury 91 in France’s top-flight finishing fourth this season. She is a neat passer whilst also boasting quick feet allowing her to carry the ball forward and open up defences with a single pass. She is no slouch in front of goal either, most recently on the scoresheet against Moldova and Malta, following a season where she netted seven goals with her club.
Sherly Jeudy
Sherly Jeudy plays in midfield with French Division 2 side Grenoble, making her very familiar with Delépine’s coaching mentality who is also her coach with the club. Thus, she will be crucial in implementing his philosophy on the pitch. She is likely to feature in set-piece delivery. Haiti have a mountainious task in the group, and Jeudy will be an important player in midfield to protect the defence which can otherwise face relentless pressure. Having a midfield which is ticking correctly is crucial to the Haitian side.
To read more Women’s World Cup related articles, click here.
Follow Sporting Her on social media: Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // Youtube
