By Le Floridien _____________
NORTH MIAMI — The 25th edition of the Madame Gougousse Haiti Cup came to a spectacular close on Sunday, May 18, drawing a massive crowd of nearly 7,000 spectators to FIU North Stadium for a day filled with thrilling football and vibrant Haitian pride. The final match, which coincided with the 222nd anniversary of Haitian Flag Day, turned into an unforgettable celebration of sport, culture, and national heritage.
In a thrilling clash between FC 17 and Boston’s Soley Leve, the intensity was relentless from start to finish. After a 1-1 draw in regulation and 30 scoreless minutes of overtime, the championship was decided by a dramatic penalty shootout. FC 17’s goalkeeper rose to the occasion, blocking two crucial shots. FC 17 kept their cool and triumphed 4-2, lifting the trophy and cementing their name in the tournament’s history. For FC 117 Miami, this victory marks their second Madame Gougousse Haiti Cup title, having first won in 2021 and finishing as runner-up in 2022.
Fans came dressed in red and blue, proudly waving Haitian flags and showcasing their cultural pride. The FIU stadium was transformed into a lively hub of celebration, decorated in tribute to Haiti’s rich history. The crowd’s energy was electrifying, not just for the match itself, but for the deeper significance of the day.
As part of the festivities, attendees were treated to a wide array of Haitian cuisine, live music, and community vendors, making the event more than just a game — it was a full cultural experience. Families, youth, and elders alike came together to honor 25 years of Haitian pride through the beloved sport of soccer.
Patrick Fabre, President and Founder of KSE Group, Inc. (Kyafa Sports and Entertainment), the organizing body behind the Madame Gougousse Haiti Cup, expressed heartfelt gratitude following the tournament’s 25th edition.
“It’s truly a blessing to see the Madame Gougousse Haiti Cup reach its 25th year,” said Fabre. “This milestone would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors, the dedication of my incredible team, the collaboration of local media, and the energy brought by the talented artists and bands who performed. I also want to thank the North Miami Police Department for their continued partnership in ensuring a safe and successful event. From day one, our mission has been to unite the community through soccer and music, and seeing how far we’ve come is both humbling and inspiring.”
The entertainment lineup for the day also lived up to expectations, with the performers delivering energetic and crowd-pleasing sets that added to the festive atmosphere. Unfortunately, due to poor time management, one of the headlining acts, VAYB, was unable to perform. By the time DJ TonyMixx wrapped up his brief set—lasting less than 10 minutes—it was already 11 p.m., leaving no room for VAYB to take the stage. This unexpected turn disappointed many fans who had been eagerly anticipating the band’s performance.
This year’s final stood out not only for the thrilling match but for the incredible community turnout and the celebratory atmosphere. As previously announced in our preview article here, the 2024 Madame Gougousse Haiti Cup truly delivered a grand finale worthy of its milestone anniversary.
With this unforgettable day now part of local sports history, FC 17 walks away as champions, and the Haitian community walks away even more united — under the flag, through the culture, and with the power of football.
