Monterrey, Mexico – The first match of the final round of Group A in the 2022 Concacaf W Championship will be played this Monday evening at the Estadio Universitario in Monterrey, in which Jamaica and Haiti will decide who gets second place in the group and a direct pass to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand.
Jamaica started the CWC on a high, spoiling host nation Mexico’s debut by winning 1-0, the first time the Reggae Girlz managed this result. Led by Captain Khadija Shaw, who scored the winning goal against Mexico, and with the assistance of Jody Brown and GK Rebecca Spencer, Jamaica showed how much they had the semifinals of this CWC and a second straight World Cup qualification in mind.
However, after this great performance in their debut, they next had to face the current World Champions, the U.S., and while they tried to show their game, it wasn’t enough in a 5-0 defeat. Now, they have it all to play for in their last test of this group stage.
Haiti has had an almost identical history. While Les Grenadieres lost their debut against the U.S., 3-0, they proved they came to Monterrey to compete, facing Mexico and their efforts showed the results, beating the hosts in their second match in this CWC, 3-0.
A lot of names are responsible for this awakening, including goalscorers Roselord Borgella, Nerilia Mondesir and Sherly Jeudy, plus dynamic playmaker Melchie Dumornay.
Jamaica and Haiti have met twice before in the CWC, with Haiti winning both matches, the last being a 2-1 win 10 years ago at Canada/US 2002.
While Jamaica require a win to secure a second straight World Cup spot, Haiti, who currently sit in second place on goal difference, can advance to Australia/New Zealand with just a draw.
One thing is for sure; for just the second time in history, a team from the Caribbean will qualify for a Women’s World Cup.
