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Haiti and Portugal seal FIFA Women’s World Cup spots

Posted on by CentreCircle
22
Feb

Haiti became the 30th country to qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – their first ever appearance at the tournament.

This was after a brace from Melchie Dumornay secured a 2-1 victory over Chile in the FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs.

Haiti was joined by fellow debutants Portugal who brushed aside Cameroon by the same score line (2-1).

Only one spot remains to complete the 32 nations and this will be decided when Panama faces Paraguay on Thursday, 23 February.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup runs from 20 July to 20 August.

In the Haiti-Chile clash, Dumornay had given her country a lead in the first-half stoppage time and increased the advantage again deep in optional time (90+8) to make it 2-0.

But with their never-say-die spirit, the South Americans took the game to a nervy finish when they scored three minutes later (90+11) through Maria Rojas – but it was not to be as Haiti held on for a famous victory and history-making result.

“I feel joy and pride. I’m happy we got this qualification because our country, our people needed it. They were counting on it. We were focused, we were motivated and that’s why I’m happy. We suffered, that’s true, and we knew what Chile were capable of doing. But we trusted our team,” an excited Nerilia Mondesir, Haiti captain, told FIFA.com

In ten matches against CONCACAF nations, Chile continues to struggle as they have won only once, while Haiti registered their first ever win over South American opposition in four attempts.

At the World Cup, Haiti has been drawn in Group D with England, Denmark and China PR.

Chile 1-2 Haiti

Goals:

Chile: Rojas 90+11′

Haiti: Dumornay 45+1′, 90+8

Player of the Match: Melchie Dumornay (HAI)

In the other match-up, the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon failed in their bid become the fifth African country to join South Africa, Nigeria, Zambia and Morocco at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Portugal took the lead 22 minutes into the match through Diana Gomes, but this was cancelled by the livewire Ajara Nchout, who levelled matters in the 89th minute.

With the showdown heading for extra-time, Carole Costa pounced from the penalty spot in optional time (94th) to hand Portugal their maiden ticket to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

This was after Cameroon’s Estelle Johnson was adjudged to have handled in the box following a VAR check, and Costa made no mistake from 12 yards.

The result means the West Africans miss out after back to back appearances at the tournament in 2015 and 2019.

“At the start of the match, we tried to play low because we knew we were facing a team that played fast going forward. In the second half, we modified our system and it was better. We have regrets but we’ll learn and we’ll never give up.” Ajara Nchout, Cameroon captain 

It was a great fightback from the West Africans who had a 16-year old Catherine Biya in goals after first choice Ange Bawou was sent off against Thailand.

This was only their third loss in 13 outings.

The Europeans find themselves in Group E alongside current two time champions, the USA, as well as the Netherlands and Vietnam.

“It’s the happiest day of our lives. We just have to celebrate with this huge group, which have qualified for a World Cup. I think of so many generations who fought for this moment. Conceding the goal in the last minutes is not easy, but we were calm and we got the goal from the penalty spot.” Carole Costa, scorer of Portugal’s winning goal

Portugal 2-1 Cameroon

Goals:

Portugal: Diana Gomes 22′, Carole Costa 94′ pen

Cameroon: Ajara Nchout 89′

Player of the Match: Tatiana Pinto (POR)

The 29 confirmed countries that have qualified for the 2023 FIFA WOmen’s World Cup

  • Australia (co-hosts)
  • New Zealand (co-hosts)
  • China (AFC)
  • Japan (AFC)
  • Philippines (AFC)
  • South Korea (AFC)
  • Vietnam (AFC)
  • Morocco (CAF)
  • Nigeria (CAF)
  • South Africa (CAF)
  • Zambia (CAF)
  • Canada (CONCACAF)
  • Costa Rica (CONCACAF)
  • Jamaica (CONCACAF)
  • United States (CONCACAF)
  • Argentina (CONMEBOL)
  • Brazil (CONMEBOL)
  • Colombia (CONMEBOL)
  • Denmark (UEFA)
  • England (UEFA)
  • France (UEFA)
  • Germany (UEFA)
  • Italy (UEFA)
  • Netherlands (UEFA)
  • Norway (UEFA)
  • Republic of Ireland (UEFA)
  • Spain (UEFA)
  • Sweden (UEFA)
  • Switzerland (UEFA)
  • Haiti (CONCACAF)
  • Portugal (UEFA)

By Matlhomola Morake

CentreCircle