Roselord Borgella scored a brace to propel Haiti to within one match of qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from 20 July to 20 August.
The Caribbean Islands side defeated Senegal 4-0 in the qualifying playoffs, ending the African hopefuls’ dream of reaching their maiden World Cup.
It was a case of so near yet so far for the West Africans, who now have to wait another four years to make their first appearance on the biggest footballing stage.
Played at the North Harbour Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand on Saturday morning (18 February), Haiti went into the lead on the stroke of half time through defender Kethna Louis, before Nerilia Mondesir doubled the advantage nine minutes into the second half (54th).
Then began the Borgella show with two quick goals (65th & 65th) to secure victory and set a date with Chile – with the winner qualifying outright for the World Cup.
This was a great win for the Caribbean Island nation that has never been to the tournament and are now just one match away from making history.
Chile will be hoping to make it back to back appearances at the World Cup – they were bundled out of the group stages in France in 2019.
With three of the 32 spots remaining, one between Haiti and Chile will be become the 30th team to qualify for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The two nations will face off on Wednesday, 22 February at North Harbour Stadium in Auckland in their first ever meeting.
Haiti vs Senegal FIFA World Cup Play-off Match:
Goals:
Kethna Louis 45’
Nerelia Mondesir 54′
Roselord Borgella 64′, 65′
Player of the Match: Roselord Borgella
By Matlhomola Morake
