COUVA, Trinidad & Tobago, (CMC) – Haiti coach Jean-Claude Josaphat hailed his side’s performance in the Caribbean Cup fifth-place playoff against Suriname and hosts Trinidad & Tobago.Josaphat was handed the coaching reins just prior to the start of the tournament, due to a pay dispute between the Haitian Football Federation and previous head coach Patrice Neveu, but the Caribbean’s No.1 side still prevailed over spirited opposition.
Following a 4-2 win over the Surinamese and 4-3 extra-time victory over the Soca Warriors, the Haitians earned a place in a two-game playoff with the fifth-place side from this month’s Copa Centroamericana for the last ticket to the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
“I have had wonderful experiences in the coaching world,” said Josaphat. “Beating T&T, the most successful team in the Caribbean Cup however, and progressing to the next round is the proudest moment of my coaching career. This is a good moment for the Haiti national team.
“If you look at how we approached the two games, we played with lots of confidence. The team showed a lot of character and really put in a solid effort in two tough games. I am sure that if we can play with this same determination and intensity that we can qualify for the 2017 edition of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.”
Two years, French Guiana defeated Honduras 3-1 at home in the first leg of the Caribbean/Central American playoff for the 2015 Gold Cup, only to drop a 3-0 decision on in the return match.
Jospahat said there was no preference for a Central American opponent, but helping Haiti reach the Gold Cup for the seventh time was his main goal.
“I am not necessarily hoping to get a particular team and avoid another in the playoff against the Central American team,” he said.
“All teams in Central America are tough, so we will have to play as well as how we did in Trinidad in order to qualify for the Gold Cup. It won’t be easy, but we can do it.”