Despite a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by a volatile security situation, the 2024 Special National Championship (CNS) closed in apotheosis this Sunday, May 27 at Felix Saint-Victor Park in Cap Haïtien. Organized by the Normalization team, long criticized for its inaction, this tournament brilliantly defied expectations, proving that even in adversity, Haitian football can thrive and capture attention.
Against all odds and in the midst of turbulence, the Normalisation team orchestrated a masterstroke with the organization of the 2024 Special National Championship. Previously singled out for its lack of initiatives in football promotion, it not only rose to the challenge, but also succeeded where many anticipated failure. The curtain fell this Sunday, May 26 with captivating posters, featuring Tempête FC and América des Cayes in a tight duel, followed by a thrilling final where Real du Cap faced Ouanaminthe FC, finally deciding on penalties.
This Sunday, May 26, the Felix Saint Victor stadium was the scene of the moving final of the Special National Championship. The day began with a crucial third-place showdown between America des Cayes and Tempête de Saint-Marc, both seeking a place to represent Haiti in Caribbean competitions. In a contested match, America des Cayes took the upper hand thanks to a precise goal from Gregory Moise in the 14th minute, concluding an excellent collective maneuver which pierced the Tempête defense.
Tensions rose in the final between Real Hope Academy and Ouanaminthe FC, ending in a 1-1 draw after a fierce clash. Minoche Widjoly opened the scoring for the Ouanaminthe team in the 36th minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse to infiltrate and complete the action that led to the goal. Real Hope’s response came just before halftime, with Woodensky Olivier Pierre finding the net in a scrum in front of goal to equalize. A goal disallowed for offside in the 76th minute left Réal du Cap fans and players frustrated, with debate over the decision fueling tension until the final whistle.
The atmosphere was electric for the final, with a crowd much higher than that of the first match. Among the spectators, notable personalities such as Wideline Pierre, spokesperson for the Committee responsible for the Construction of the Ouanaminthe Canal, former senator from the North, Dieudonne Luma, and the president of the Interim Commission of the Cap-Haitien Town Hall Yvrose Pierre, were present. They were all honored with a national team jersey.
If the success of this special national championship represents a winning bet for the Standardization team, improvements on the administrative and communication levels are nevertheless necessary for the next edition. The top three teams, Real Hope Academy, Ouanaminthe FC and America des Cayes, will receive funding from CONCACAF to prepare for the regional tournament. In addition, they will benefit from a bonus from the Standardization Committee. Let us hope that this successful experience will encourage a renaissance of our king sport.
Leconte Pain
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