The U17 national team of Haiti—known as the Little Grenadiers—took another positive step in their build-up phase with a composed 2–0 victory over Mercure d’Haïti in a recent friendly. More than the scoreline, the performance highlighted control, discipline, and a growing understanding between units that will matter when official youth competitions arrive.

Match flow

Haiti settled quickly, using patient circulation at the back to draw Mercure forward before springing into the channels. The opening goal arrived after sustained pressure: a neat combination on the right released a wide runner, whose low cut-back was calmly finished from inside the box.

The second came after the break, born from a high regain—Haiti pinched the ball in midfield and transitioned with three quick passes to beat the last line, slotting home to seal the result.

Mercure d’Haïti remained compact and dangerous on counters, forcing the young Grenadiers to manage transitions and defend the space behind their fullbacks. Haiti’s back line responded well, reading long balls early and winning most second contacts.

What stood out

- Game management: Haiti controlled tempo, alternating between quick vertical attacks and slower possession to reset structure.

- Press triggers: The front line coordinated presses when the ball went to Mercure’s fullbacks, creating multiple turnovers in advanced areas.

- Wide overloads: Rotations between winger, fullback, and a roaming midfielder repeatedly opened 2v1s on the flanks.

Development value

Friendlies at this age are as much about habits as results. Haiti showed:

- Better spacing between lines, which reduced rushed passes through the middle.

- Improved decision-making in the final third, turning territory into chances.

- Bench contribution, with substitutes keeping intensity and shape late on.

What’s next

The staff can build on this with targeted sessions: refining set-piece routines, rehearsing late-game scenarios while ahead, and stress-testing the press against teams that play long early. If the Little Grenadiers continue to stack performances like this, they’ll carry both confidence and clarity into their next competition window.

Key takeaway: Haiti 2–0 Mercure d’Haïti; controlled phases of play, effective pressing, and growing chemistry across lines.