By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The Integrity FC, otherwise called Chancery FC and Community FC, also called RSO FC (Regional Security Office) have punched their tickets to the finals of the 2024 Ambassador Christopher J. Lamora’s Cup.
The two teams qualified during the semi-final matches of the Intersections football tournament organised by the Striking Eagles Soccer Team of the United States Embassy in Yaounde Cameroon.
Both teams secured their tickets following their dominant victories in their matches played on Saturday June 22nd at the Febe village football stadium in Yaounde.
In the first semi-final match of the day, Integrity FC showed their strength by defeating Respect FC (Pandores) 3-0 to earn a spot in the finals. After leading in the first half, Integrity FC doubled their tally in the second half that was highly competitive watched by Cup Donor Ambassador Christopher J. Lamora.
Two of their goals were scored in the second period of the game by Christian Fondze Kakiyi and Anaba Idriss. The Integrity third goal came in through the legendary Augustine Akuchu. The man of the match was the midfielder Anaba Idris.
In the second game, the Community FC continued their impressive run with a hard-fought 3-1 over Efficiency FC. The Efficiency FC surprised everyone by grabbing an early lead with a goal from Polycarp Chenwie.
Community FC bounced back with a non-disputed goal from Teghen Kimbeng (Man of the Match) to make it 1-1 before the end of the first period of the game. Towards the end of first half, Community FC and Efficiency FC mounted pressure on both sides but couldn’t increase the tally.
The second half saw both teams pressing for a winner, but it was Community FC who emerged victorious. The captain Ivo Ajebe converted a penalty. Louis Laiyo alias “The Legend” put the game to bed with a dazzling solo effort, dribbling past defenders and the goalkeeper Ngah Bilogue Xavier to seal the win.
The Community FC plays maker Teghen Kimbeng received Man of the Match honors for his outstanding performances. At the sound of the final whistle, it was Community FC that had earned a ticket to the finals after 3-1 score line.
Speaking shortly after the matches, the H.E. Lamora, commended both teams for their outstanding displays. He emphasized the importance of the tournament beyond competition stating that “These matches are about sportsmanship and exercises, but also about building inclusive community life and boosting morale for the players and the fans. I’m honored to be a part of it.”
Talking about the peculiarity of this year’s edition of the Ambassador’s Cup, H.E. Lamora expressed his excitement as he has been very moved by the fact that the teams have been playing for about 2 months using the core values of the embassy values of Diplomacy, RICE during the competition.
“These values we are trying to embody at the US Embassy Yaounde Mission are, Respect, Integrity, Community and Efficiency. The Striking Eagles this year 2024 decided that the four teams in Intersection Tournament have to use RICE as the names of the teams,” the Ambassador said.
He added that, “It’s been great over the past few weeks and months to watch them play, practicing and wearing jerseys with these values on them and we are living these values as they are playing their matches.”
The Integrity FC’S Captain, Shufai Ndzefoncho acknowledged the unpredictability of football, stating, “There are no small teams in this competition. Anything is possible in every game. We’ll give it our all to win the finals.”
The Community FC’s first coach and manager, Ansambom Cyprain Boh, on his part acknowledged the challenges faced en route to the finals but vowed to maintain their clean sheet record and emerge victorious against Integrity FC.
With the final slated for Saturday June 29th, the teams are promising to play beautiful football, aiming to lift the coveted 2024 trophy. The competition is organized by the Striking Eagles of U.S. Embassy.
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