Haiti dominate awards, Team of the Tournament

Haiti trounced Cuba 5-0 in the final to retain the crown that they copped at home in 2014.

Captain of the 2016 squad, striker Steeve Selso Saint-Duc, walked away with two personal trophies – the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Golden Boot (leading goalscorer) with five goals, while Redondio Alliance got the Golden Glove, as the best goalkeeper.

Curacao, who lost the third-place playoff 3-0 to Jamaica, were given the Fair Play Award.

As far as the Team of the Tournament was concerned, Saint-Duc and Alliance got their names on the list, along with right-back Jolicoeur Etienne, centre-back Brismax Louis Kelly Clerge and central midfielder Jean Jacques Danley.

Forward Raewin Senior and left winger Nicque Daley, who both scored against Curacao, were selected, along with left-back Damani Osei, while three Cubans – centre back Christopher Llorente, central midfielder Carlos Molina and right winger Brian Savigne, complete the list.

In related news, Haiti coach James Morisset admitted that his team were in training for three years, as they built up to this competition.

Speaking through a translator, he pointed out, “we worked hard back in Haiti, we were working so hard for (this), when we get back home we’ll work hard for the (CONCACAF) phase.” He added, “when we get back, we have other players to call to the team. We’re going to work because we know (the CONCACAF Championships) will be strong.” Cuba tactician Rufino Sotolongo, also utilising a translator, acknowledged, “we had a successful first half. We knew that Haiti would be a difficult opponent (but) our defence wasn’t strong enough. Haiti were very aggressive, that’s how they were able to dominate.”