By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The 2025/2026 MTN Elite One season burst into life with a commanding performance from newly promoted Aigle Royal de la Menoua, who claimed a convincing 2-0 win over Unisport du Haut-Nkam in the tournament’s curtain-raiser.
This West Regional Derby, that took place at the packed Bafang Municipal Stadium, lived up to its billing as a tense and tactical battle between two sides fresh from their promotion campaigns.
Under the scrutiny of FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto’o and an electric home crowd cheering for the “Flambeau de l’Ouest,” the visitors from Dschang, El Pacha or the Menoua Rapace delivered a clinical display that echoed their successful run to the top flight last June.
Coach Koung Anicet’s charges imposed their disciplined style right from kickoff, pressing high and capitalizing on quick transitions to stretch Unisport’s backline. Despite the hosts’ passionate support and a few promising moments including a notable chance late in the first half that went begging, Aigle Royal maintained control and limited clear threats.
The deadlock broke in the second period through super-sub Eden Crel Ymele whose brace sealed the victory. His first goal stemmed from a sharp, coordinated move that caught the Unisport defense off guard, while the second coming deep into stoppage time crushed any lingering hopes of a revival.
This result marks a dream start for Aigle Royal de la Menoua, propelling them straight to the summit of the nascent standings and delivering a major psychological boost ahead of the demanding campaign.
For Unisport du Haut-Nkam, the defeat highlights areas for urgent improvement, particularly in defensive solidity and converting pressure into goals, as they now regroup before their next fixture.
With the league officially underway, attention turns to the rest of Matchday 1 and beyond, where heavyweights such as Coton Sport and Canon Yaoundé will look to assert their authority in what promises to be another fiercely competitive season in Cameroonian football’s premier division.
