On Friday, October 9, 2026, as part of FIFA friendly matches, our senior Grenadières (ranked 47th in the world) continued their international preparation for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup by facing the Samurai Blue, the Japanese national team (ranked 5th in the world), in a test match at the Stade Bauer in Saint-Ouen, France. Largely dominated by Japan, Haiti suffered a crushing 5-1 defeat against the Asian Champions.

Starting XI : To face a stronger opponent like Japan (ranked 5th in the world), Swedish coach Pia Sundhage opted for a 3-4-1-2 formation for Haiti. The back three consisted of Kethna Louis, Claire Constant, and Johane Limage. A four-man midfield: Roseline Éloissaint and Batcheba Louis on the wings to facilitate transitions, alongside Anyssa Ibrahim and Sherly Jeudy in midfield. Playmaker Melchie Dumornay positioned as a supporting attacking midfielder, just behind the front line, and a strike duo: Brittany Raphino and captain Nérilia Mondésir tasked with leading the attacks. This formation generally shifted to a five-man defensive block during defensive phases to try and contain the speed of the powerful Japanese team.

#1 Naila Louissaint : Concordia Stingers (Quebec, Canada)

#3 Jennyfer Limage : RO Lens (France)

#6 Melchie Daëlle Dumornay : OL Lyonnes (France)

#7 Batcheba Louis : FO Fleury 91 (France)

#8 Brittany Raphino : Inter Milan (Italy)

#9 Sherly Jeudy : OGO Nice (France)

#10 Nérilia Mondésir : Seattle Reign FO (USA)

#11 Roseline Éloissaint : RO Lens (France)

#16 Claire Constant : DC Power FO (USA)

#20 Kethna Louis : FC Fleury 91 (France)

#21 Anyssa Ibrahim : Le Mans FO (France)

DT : Swede Pia Sundhage https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46849-haiti-flash-swedish-pia-sundhage-new-coach-of-grenadieres-senior.html

Substitutions during the match :

46’ Lourdjina Étienne replaces Sherly Jeudy.

46’ Laurie-Ann Moïse replaces Batcheba Louis.

68’ Darlina Joseph replaces Anyssa Ibrahim.

68’ Amandine Pierre-Louis replaces Brittany Raphino.

84’ Chelsea Domond replaces Roseline Éloissaint.

Summary : Sports analysts and the specialized press are criticizing the three-defender system (3-4-1-2) deployed by Pas Sundhage. The full-backs were completely overwhelmed by the speed and skill of the Japanese players. The lack of cohesion and insufficient goalkeeping caused the initial collapse (3 goals conceded in just over 30 minutes). The Grenadières were completely outclassed by the intensity and fluidity of the Asian champions, the Samurai Blue. A lack of precision in Haitian passing hampered their build-up play and led to numerous dangerous turnovers.

26’ Kiko Seike scores with a left-footed shot from the center of the box, opening the scoring for Japan. The ball finds the bottom left corner [1-0].

33’ Maika Hamano doubles Japan's lead with a left-footed shot from the left side of the box, assisted by Hinata Miyazawa. The ball finds the bottom right corner. [2-0]

38’ Yui Hasegawa, assisted by Momoko Tanikawa, extends the lead for the Samurai Blue with a right-footed shot from the center of the box; the ball nestles in the bottom left corner. [3-0]

45+3’ Batcheba Louis (Haiti) pulls one back for Haiti with a close-range right-footed goal. The ball finds the top left corner after a cross from Nerilia Mondesir. [3-1]

57’ Remina Chiba, assisted by Yui Hasegawa, extends the lead for Japan with a right-footed shot from the center of the box; the ball nestles in the bottom right corner. [4-1]

81’ Maya Hijikat scores the final goal of the match with a right-footed shot from the center of the box; The ball ended up in the center of the goal thanks to a decisive pass from Remina Chiba [5-1]. Although our Grenadières had opportunities, they were sorely lacking in the final touch. Even Melchie Dumornay and Nérilia Mondésir missed clear chances that could have reduced the deficit. To compete with the world's best in upcoming matches, our Grenadières will absolutely have to raise their collective level and correct these structural weaknesses.

Goals:

Japan :

26’ K. Seike [1-0]

33’ Mr. Hamano [2-0]

38’ Y. Hasegawa 3-0]

57’ R. Chiba [4-1]

81’ Mr. Hijikata [5-1]

Haiti :

45’+3’ L. Batcheba [3-1]

Schedule for the next friendly match :

October 13 at 9:00 PM at Stade Walter-Luzi in Chambly. Tickets: billetterie.fcchambly.com

Haiti (Grenadières) vs. Australia (the Socceroos)

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-48606-haiti-flash-two-high-level-friendly-matches-for-our-senior-grenadieres-player-list.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-48406-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-47718-grenadieres-5th-match-without-defeat-for-pia-sundhage-s-new-team.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-47709-preparation-for-brazil-2027-victory-for-grenadieres-[3-1]-against-equatorial-guinea-video.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-47688-brazil-2027-preparation-victory-for-the-grenadieres-[2-1]-against-new-zealand-video.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-47678-women-s-brazil-2027-preparation-d-1-new-zealand-vs-haiti-friendly-match.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-47482-spain-two-international-friendly-matches-for-our-senior-grenadieres.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-46849-haiti-flash-swedish-pia-sundhage-new-coach-of-grenadieres-senior.html

BF/ HaitiLibre