San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica began their CONCACAF Nations League campaign with a controlled and deserved 2-0 victory over Haiti at the Estadio Nacional on October 5, 2026. First-half and second-half goals from Manfred Ugalde and Josimar Alcócer gave the Ticos all three points in a League A encounter that was defined by Costa Rica’s pressing, width, and clinical finishing in the final third.

Match overview

From the opening whistle, Costa Rica imposed themselves on the game. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro set his side up in a flexible 4-2-3-1 that morphed into a 3-2-5 in possession, with the full-backs pushing high and the wingers drifting inside to create overloads. Haiti, under Sébastien Migné, lined up in a compact 4-4-2 designed to absorb pressure and spring counterattacks through Frantzdy Pierrot and Duckens Nazon. For long stretches, the plan worked — but Costa Rica’s patience and quality eventually told.

The hosts finished with 62% possession, 15 shots to Haiti’s 7, and 7 shots on target to Haiti’s 2. Costa Rica also won 8 corners and forced Johny Placide into several saves, while Patrick Sequeira was called into action only occasionally but remained alert to keep a clean sheet.

How the game unfolded

Costa Rica started brightly, circulating the ball with purpose and looking to isolate their wide players against Haiti’s full-backs. The first clear chance arrived in the 12th minute when Alonso Martínez latched onto a through ball and forced Placide into a low save at his near post. Haiti responded with a rare foray forward in the 19th minute, but Pierrot’s header from a cross was comfortably gathered by Sequeira.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute. A quick turnover in midfield allowed Costa Rica to transition rapidly, and Ugalde timed his run perfectly to meet a low cross from the right. The striker’s first-time finish was emphatic, beating Placide at the near post to make it 1-0. It was Ugalde’s seventh international goal and a reward for Costa Rica’s early dominance.

Haiti nearly responded before the break. In the 41st minute, Danley Jean Jacques won the ball in midfield and released Nazon, whose angled drive flashed just wide of the far post. That moment served as a warning, but Costa Rica went into halftime with a narrow lead.

Key moments

• 27’ — Goal, Costa Rica: Manfred Ugalde finishes a flowing move from close range after a pinpoint cross from the right.
• 52’ — Chance, Haiti: Frantzdy Pierrot rises highest from a corner, but Patrick Sequeira reacts quickly to tip the ball over the bar.
• 63’ — Goal, Costa Rica: Josimar Alcócer doubles the lead with a composed left-footed finish after cutting inside from the left flank.
• 78’ — Chance, Costa Rica: Substitute Álvaro Zamora breaks clear but is denied by a strong save from Johny Placide.
• 90+2’ — Late pressure, Haiti: A deep free-kick causes a brief scramble in the Costa Rican box, but the defense clears the danger.

Tactical story

Costa Rica’s victory was built on midfield control. The double pivot of Orlando Galo and Brandon Aguilera kept the ball moving quickly, while the front four rotated constantly to pull Haiti’s defensive lines out of shape. Alfaro’s decision to push the full-backs high pinned Haiti’s wingers back and limited their ability to counter in numbers.

Haiti’s best moments came when they bypassed the press with direct balls to Pierrot, who held possession well and brought others into play. But with Costa Rica’s center-backs — Francisco Calvo and Juan Pablo Vargas — winning most aerial duels, Haiti struggled to sustain attacks. Migné’s side defended deep and in numbers, but the second goal forced them to open up, which only created more space for Costa Rica to exploit.

Standout performers

Manfred Ugalde was a constant menace, dropping into midfield to link play and then attacking the box with purpose. His opener set the tone and his movement created space for others all evening.

Josimar Alcócer added energy and directness from the left, and his well-taken goal capped a lively performance. He completed five dribbles and drew three fouls in dangerous areas.

Patrick Sequeira may not have been the busiest goalkeeper on the pitch, but his save from Pierrot at 1-0 was crucial. It kept Costa Rica in front before they added the insurance goal.

For Haiti, Johny Placide made several important saves to keep the score respectable, while Danley Jean Jacques showed composure in midfield and was his team’s most consistent outlet in transition.

CONCACAF Nations League table impact

The win gives Costa Rica an ideal start in League A, three points and a positive