Despite suffering a 0-4 loss to Mexico in their Group A top-of-the-table clash, Caribbean side Haiti remains poised to secure one of three top spots at the Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship in Toluca, Mexico.
The Haitians, who placed second in Group A with six points, will face Group B winners and defending champions United States in one semi-final, while Mexico and Canada will lock horns in the other, on Friday. These will be followed by the third-place match and final on Sunday, February 11.
The two finalists and third-placed team will join host Dominican Republic as Concacaf's representatives at the 16-team Under-17 Women's World Cup later this year. This will be the first time Dominican Republic hosts a FIFA World Cup, and their first participation at this age level.
Hosts Mexico will take good form into their encounter against Mexico as they peppered Haiti's goal from the opening whistle of Monday's clash. However, it wasn't until the 34th minute that they inevitably broke the deadlock when Dana Sandoval fired past Haiti's goalkeeper Kimberlie Prince.
The El Tricolor increased their tempo on the resumption with three goals in a 14-minute span that pushed the scoreline beyond Haiti's reach.
Abril Fragoso scored 54th-minute free kick, which was followed by Dafne Sanchez's strike three minutes later. The scoreline was then capped by Djoulissa Pierre's 67th-minute own-goal.
On Tuesday, United States hammered neighbours Canada 5-0 to claim the top spot in Group B.
They opened the scoring in the ninth minute courtesy of Melanie Barcenas's powerfully struck right-footed shot from outside the area.
After hitting the woodwork three times through Ainsley McCammon, Rylee McLanahan and Jordyn Hardeman, United States eventually doubled the lead in the 51st minute through Alexandra Pfeiffer
Leena Powell added a third in the 57th when she turned in a rebound off a Pfeiffer shot, before Kennedy Fuller stretched the lead to 4-0 in the 59th with a sweeping shot that gave Canada's custodian Noelle Henning no chance at a save, in a goalmouth melee.
Y-Lan Nguyen then completed the rout for the defending champions with a composed 73rd-minute finish.
By all indications, it could be another United States versus Mexico showpiece, but both Haiti and Canada will be intent on turning their fortunes on Friday.