Shehri powers Saudi Arabia to victory over Haiti, US end losing streak

Saudi Arabia marked their inaugural CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign with a winning start after defeating Haiti I-O in their Group D opener at the Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday.

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Saleh Al Shehri's first half penalty sealed the three points for the Green Falcons, who take on the US in Austin, Texas on Thursday with Haiti meeting Trinidad and Tobago.

Haiti enjoyed the early possession with Duckens Nazon notching a pair of shots that had to be cleared by the West Asian side, who were missing eight players from Al Hilal due to FIFA Club World Cup 2025 duties.

Despite struggling to find their footing, Saudi Arabia were given a lifeline in the 21st minute after Frantzdy Pierrot fouled Shehri with the Al Ittihad Club forward nestling the ensuing spot-kick into the bottom left corner past Johny Placide's out-stretched fingers.

Haiti could have leveled midway through the first half but Pierrot squandered the chance after taking too many touches following Nezon's layoff, with custodian Nawaf Al Aqidi coming to Saudi Arabia's rescue.

The Caribbeanside continued to dominate after the break but a string of near misses summed up their finishing as Saudi Arabia, playing as an invited team, held on to secure the three points.