Haiti claimed the Tier I championship title of the 2026 Caribbean Football Union Boys’ Under-14 Challenge Series after a decisive 4-0 victory over Jamaica in the final, held at Cap Cana Sports City in the Dominican Republic. The match took place yesterday and highlighted Haiti’s dominance throughout the tournament.
Match Highlights
From the outset, Haiti showcased their attacking prowess by consistently challenging the Jamaican defense. Ronelson Janvier attempted to score early in the 16th minute, but his shot was blocked. Two minutes later, Messi Jean set up Janvier for a one-on-one chance, which was thwarted by Jamaica’s goalkeeper, Knevoy Brown, who later received the Best Goalkeeper award of the tournament.
Haiti broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when Janvier assisted Jodeley Delmas, who placed a precise shot into the bottom-left corner, giving Haiti a 1-0 lead at halftime. The second half saw Haiti continue to impose their game, with Wensley Dumorne increasing the lead to 2-0 in the 38th minute with a close-range strike. Despite another impressive save from Brown in the 46th minute, Haiti soon extended their lead further. Jean Paul assisted Dumorne, who skillfully navigated past two defenders before scoring his second goal.
Janvier capped off Haiti’s successful performance in the 59th minute, slotting the ball into the net after beating a defender, finalizing the score at 4-0. The victory not only secured the championship but also allowed for a celebration as the team lifted the trophy, affirming their status as champions of the tournament.
Jamaica’s coach, Vassell Reynolds, acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, noting that they had been competitive in the first half but struggled against Haiti’s technical skills and speed. He emphasized the importance of further developing player speed, technical capacity, and fitness for future competitions. Despite arriving at the final unbeaten, the loss was a reminder of the areas that still require improvement.
Delmas emerged as the leading goalscorer of the tournament, and Dumorne was named the Most Valuable Player, recognizing their significant contributions to Haiti’s success.
Why It Matters
This victory marks a significant achievement for Haitian youth football, showcasing the country’s potential in developing talent within the sport. The win could bolster interest and investment in football in Haiti, while also providing valuable experience to young players on the international stage.
