PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC):
HAITI produced a resolute performance to beat Trinidad and Tobago 2-1 and lift the Digicel Caribbean Cup football title at Hasely Crawford Stadium on Tuesday night.
Boucicat Alexandre sent the Haitians ahead midway the first half and he also featured in his team's second goal by Fucien Brunel.
Nigel Daniel struck a superb free kick midway the second half for the home side as they pressed hard for the equaliser, but Haiti stayed strong to snatch their first Caribbean Cup title in front of a partisan crowd of 18,000.
"We respect Trinidad and Tobago, but we were determined and this one (Cup win) is for the people of Haiti," winning captain Bruny Pierre said after the game.The T&T Soca Warriors tried diligently but could not break down a stubborn Haiti defence, expertly marshalled by Digicel Man of the Match Pierre, as coach Luis Amelia Garcia's side took their chances in a tense match.
The influential Eliphene Cadet made the first goal for Haiti in the 23rd minute. He adeptly got away from his marker and sped down the right flank, crossing inside the box where Brunel hit a low one-time shot at goal. The T&T goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams made a diving stop to deflect the ball and an onrushing Boucicat knocked the rebound into the goal from six yards.
Under-strength team
Using an under-strength team because their overseas professionals were unavailable, the T&T Soca Warriors rallied to come back into the game and eventually went close twice just before the half-time break.
In stoppage time at the end of the first half, Kerry Baptiste shot just wide and a few seconds later, Kerwin Jemmott came even closer, Gabard in the Haiti goal blocking his long-range shot. Brunel and Boucicat changed roles for the 52nd minute goal that made it 2-0. Boucicat unleashed a shot that Williams blocked and the rebound squirted perfectly for Fucien to score.
The home fans urged T&T on and they responded with a goal in the 66th minute, Nigel Daniel spanking a brilliant free kick from 25 yards that flew past Fenelon Gabart in Haiti's goal. With the crowd performing an enthusiastic Mexican Wave, the Soca Warriors poured forward in search of an equaliser.
Substitute Joel Bailey almost found the net on 76 minutes, his header from Seon Power's long cross well held by Gabard.
As the crowd grew increasingly tense, the Soca Warriors beefed up their attack throwing four players up front in the closing minutes, but Gabart pulled off some solid saves near the end to fend off T&T and assure Haiti of the US$120,000 first prize.
