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It seems like a happy coincidence that as we celebrate our Fanm Fò during Women’s History Month, the Grenadierès are giving us even more reason to cheer on our flag. Or maybe it’s fate?
Hi, my name is Christele and I am a football (soccer) addict.
But that isn’t unusual. I am Haitian, after all. Soccer is our favorite pastime (it is also the world’s favorite pastime, with about 3.3 billion fans worldwide). I devote a pretty substantial chunk of my time to soccer, but there is never enough time for all the amazing soccer action going on in the world. Sometimes, I even miss the greatness happening in our own backyard! Our national teams have been causing quite a stir. Haiti’s men national team, the Grenadiers have qualified for the Copa America Centenario (2016 Centennial Copa America) and our U-17 women’s national team the Grenadieres, have been kicking ass lately! Our young women are currently participating in the CONCACAF U-17 championship, taking place this year in Grenada.
The other countries taking part in the championship are Grenada, Guatemala, and Canada in group A (along with Haiti) and the United States, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Jamaica in group B. So far, the Grenadieres have cruised through the group stage, beating Guatemala (3-2), Canada (2-1), and a whopping 13-0 victory against the host, Grenada. As it stands, Haiti wins group A, with Canada coming in second. Meanwhile, the US tops off group B, with Mexico coming in second.
Grenada 0 – 13 Haiti Highlights | @GrenadaFootball @fhfhaiti #CU17W https://t.co/br7CRvkjyk
— Concacaf (@Concacaf) March 4, 2016
The next two games are crucial if the Grenadieres are to bring the cup home. The semifinals will take place on Friday March 11, 2016, with Haiti (A1) facing Mexico (B2), and the US (B1) playing against Canada (A2). The final, as well as the third place match will take place on Sunday, March 13, 2016. A spot for the Jordan 2016 U-17 World Cup is also at stake. Per FIFA regulations, the top 3 teams from the CONCACAF Championship get automatic qualification to the big stage, meaning the two semis winners and the third place match winner. So this is a chance for the Grenadieres to truly make history.
It seems like a happy coincidence that as we celebrate our Fanm Fò during Women’s History Month, the Grenadierès are giving us even more reason to cheer on our flag. Or maybe it’s fate? Or rather, maybe it’s fate that this occasion exists to give us the opportunity to celebrate this awesome group of young ladies. No matter. We honor you, today, during this month, and forever. Thank you for carrying our red and blue banner so far. We are proud of you. Grenadye alaso!
Photo via concacaf.com
