For a country that has experienced so much unhappiness over the years, there is finally something to celebrate. Haiti’s qualification for the Women’s World Cup is the most remarkable story of this tournament.
Against the backdrop of political tension, mass poverty and a soaring crime rate, this team has overcome more than just a lack of funding and resources.
Just a month before Haiti beat Chile to seal their place in Australia and New Zealand, riots by police angered at murders of their colleagues led to the country’s Prime Minister being trapped in the airport. The capital, Port-Au-Prince, has been taken over by gangs who rule by violence and fear.
The country has struggled to recover from a devastating earthquake in 2010, which claimed the lives of 30 members of the Haitian Football Federation and the women’s team coach, and the assassination of president Jovenel Moise two years ago.
Now, for at least three weeks, this young football team will be a sign of hope. In their ranks is 19-year-old midfielder Melchie Dumornay, now with French champions Lyon. ‘With all the recent problems in Haiti, there has been a general regression in football,’ Dumornay tells Mail Sport from her home in France.
Against a backdrop of political tension and poverty, Haiti qualified for the Women’s World Cup
Midfielder Melchie Dumornay (left) has reflected on her journey to playing for the national side
‘I think that if the situation were more normalised, there would be more opportunity for players to come through and there could be an impulse to drive youngsters forward into the game.
‘As things are, there’s an uncertainty and there’s doubt about going out and about, whether that be to go to school to study, or to go out and play sports. There is a degree of risk, which I think holds back the potential of a lot of people.
‘There were never that many options for taking up football in Haiti, compared to the facilities placed at the disposal of youngsters starting out in Europe and other countries around the world.
‘We just did the best we could with what was available to us. Women’s football was also that step further behind in terms of amenities and opportunities, but we did what we could and I have managed to come through to where I am now.’
Their first game? European champions England. Unlike their opponents, the only thing Sarina Wiegman’s players have to worry about is performing: everything else is taken care of by their coaches and support staff.
The rank outsiders’ first fixture is against England, Sarina Wiegman’s European champions
There will be no underestimating the underdogs and Dumornay will be crucial to their chances
But there will be no underestimating this Haiti team. Dumornay will be key if Haiti are to stand a chance in Group D. Quick, strong and skilful, manager Nicolas Delepine said Dumornay gives his side ‘the X-Factor’.
‘When there’s not much at all between teams, you’re looking for her to do something,’ Delepine told FIFA+ this month. ‘There are other stars in the side alongside her who can pop up and get her the ball, so that she can be the difference. She’s also one of those players who makes her team-mates play better.’
The Lionesses may be expected to steamroll such an inexperienced team but it may not be that straightforward. ‘I think our match against England will be a really tight game,’ Dumornay says.
‘A good match, and with their being the recent champions of Europe, we know that the England team is shot through with talented players and a lot of technical ability. It’s a great opportunity for us to play against a big national side.’
One of Dumornay’s aims is to open an academy in Haiti to provide a safe environment for girls to play football. ‘I believe our participation in the World Cup will help create increased desire among girls to get involved in women’s football.
‘It will help set that objective in the minds of many, to go on to represent your country, and hopefully to help create a new generation of leaders in sport, and if I am already seen as one of them, then to help create more young leaders like myself.’
DailyMail
