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19.11.02 - Haiti had a jittery start to their Gold Cup qualifying campaign, but still held on to post a 1:0 victory against Anitgua & Barbuda on the first day of play in Group D on Monday in Port-au-Prince.

International newcomer Roody Lormera - who didn't score a goal all season for Roulado FC, champions of Haiti's Tournoi d'Ouverture - grabbed the only goal of the match for the hosts three minutes after the halftime interval.

After their performance in last year's FC Gold Cup finals, when they were eliminated at the quarterfinal stage by World Cup finalist Costa Rica - but only through a golden goal match-winner - Haiti were expected to ease to next year's Caribbean finals, especially with the withdrawal of Suriname from the group.

But it's been a rocky buildup for the Haitian national team this year, a trip to France in July cut short after economic difficulties (and five losses to French club sides). Then in October came the dismissal of technical director Jorge Castelli, who guided the Caribbean Zone runner-up finish and resulting Gold Cup run, after a "divergence of view" with the Fédération Haitienne de Football.

The goal from Lormera - just recently added to the national team pool by new technical director Caetano Rodriguez - was the only thing for the crowd at the Stade Sylvio Cator to celebrate. Club teammate Jean-Rebert Menelas, who led the Premiere Division with 16 goals, was neutralized by the Antigua & Barbuda defense, eventually removed at the hour mark.

Antigua & Barbuda next face Netherlands Antilles on Wednesday 20 November, with the hosts playing Netherlands Antilles two days later. The top two from the group advance to the Caribbean Zone finals next year.

18.11.2002, Port-au-Prince, Stade Sylvio Cator

HAITI - ANTIGUA & BARBUDA 1:0 (0:0)

Roody LORMERA 48'

HAI: Rosario Lauture (Violette AC) - Roosevelt Desir (FICA), Bruny Pierre Richard (Don Bosco), Josué Mayard (Kansas City Wizards), Frantz Gilles (Cavaly), Wilfrid Montilas (Don Bosco), Turlien Romulus (Cavaly), Gabriel Michel (Don Bosco)/89: Peterson Jackson Joseph (Violette AC), Johnny Descolines (Roulado FC)/49: Olman Jean Luicadet (Carioca FC), Jean-Rebert Menelas (Roulado FC)/61: Golman Pierre (FICA), Roody Lormera (Roulado FC)

ATG: Janiel Simon (Sap FC) - Verton Harris (Sap FC), Ranjae Christian (Bassa FC), Kevin Roberts (Parham FC), Kenroy Smith (Parham FC)/38: Taj Charles (Liberta FC), Steveroy Anthony (Empire FC), Winston Roberts (Parham FC), Neil Schyan Jeffers (Parham FC), Rackley Thomas (Sap FC)/50: Tamarley Thomas (Hoppers FC), Troy Simon (Freemans Ville FC), Kerry Skepple (Villa FC)/71: Ralston Phoenix (Hoppers FC). Booked: Anthony 41'; T Simon 59'

R: Godfrey BOWEN (CYM)

source : concacaf.com