Suriname will host Haiti in their first home fixture of the year in the CONCACAF Nations League. The Jamaican attack, bolstered by Antonio, could pose a serious test to Grenada. They had difficulty containing an inexperienced Honduran strike force. Furthermore, it is challenging to picture the Spice Boys defeating the Reggae Boyz. They appear to be far superior to the majority of CONCACAF sides.
Preview (Suriname vs. Haiti)
Suriname’s lone point in the competition thus far must be a huge letdown after playing two teams that are significantly lower on the FIFA rankings than them (Cuba and Grenada). On matchday two, Aron Winter’s team controlled the majority of the possession once more, but they were unable to capitalize on it. They are going without a goal for the third time in their previous four League-A games. They return to Frank Essed Stadion, where they earned their lone point in the top division of this tournament (1-1 draw with Jamaica in June 2022), but where they haven’t triumphed in a match since late January 2022 (1-0), as they enter matchday three still searching for their first victory in League A.
A-Selektie has never won any of their six League A games. In three of their five Nations League games played in Paramaribo, they have earned at least a point. When equal or down at the break in their last seven Nations League games, Suriname has lost every time, and in two of their previous three games in this tournament, they have given up after the 80th minute. Though it has been more than 44 years since their last victory over the Haitians (3-0 in October 1978). They have been able to draw a point or two from the majority of recent games against La Selection Nationale. They have dropped just one of their last six encounters (4-2 in January 2017).
However, they have yet to claim a victory in League A, having to settle for a draw in their six games. On the plus side, Haiti remains unbeaten in 11 straight Nations League games. Les Grenadiers’ lone League A defeat came in a 1-0 loss to Curacao in September 2019. They have gone winless in nine straight Nations League games played away from home. Despite only scoring once in the second half of a League A game (a 1-1 tie against Costa Rica in October 2019), Haiti has never trailed at the half in a Nations League match.
Team News
From matchday one to matchday two, Winter made two adjustments to the Suriname starting lineup. They started Navajo Bakboord and Mitchell te Vrede against Cuba in place of Damil Dankerlui and Diego Bisewar. Renske Adipi and Stefano Denswil started both of the A-Selektie’s Nations League games. With 13 goals for the senior team, Gleofilo Vlijter, 24, who recently joined Doxa Katokopias in Cyprus, can tie Stefano Rijssel for the most goals scored with the national team overall.
The Haitians will be missing Djimy Alexis on Thursday after he received a second caution. On that occasion, Steven Seance and Louicius Don Deedson started in place of Carnejy Antoine and Derrick Etienne. The sole player selected for this window, Jean-Kevin Duverne, will be trying to make his debut appearance. Mechack Jerome can get his 75th cap with Les Grenadiers.
In their previous match against Jamaica, Deedson scored twice inside 14 minutes. An own goal from Ricardo Ade gave the Reggae Boyz some life. Johny Placide has let up multiple goals in three of his last five Nations League games. Despite playing two teams that were not nearly as good as the one they will face on Thursday, Suriname has not created many chances in this competition thus far. On the other hand, Haiti has recently had difficulties maintaining its composure when in charge, but they shouldn’t have as much trouble stopping Natio’s attack.
Suriname 0 – 2 Haiti
For more football previews, click here
