By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The third playing day of the ongoing MTN Elite One championship in Cameroon saw a defensive discipline take center stage as goals became a rare and precious currency across the league. Across seven fixtures that rounded last Thursday February 5, only seven goals were recorded, resulting in a series of tightly contested battles characterized by physical play rather than offensive flair.
The weekend produced four narrow 1-0 victories and two draws, leaving the league table in a state of flux as established giants finally began to find their footing. The standout performance of the day took place at the Bamenda Proximity Stadium, where PWD Bamenda transformed their home ground into an dense fortress. Facing a previously unbeaten Gazelle FA of Garoua, the “Abakwa Boys” relied on patience to break down a stubborn opponent.
For 88 minutes, Gazelle’s goalkeeper Housseini appeared unbeatable, commanding his area with authority. However, the deadlock was finally shattered in the 89th minute when substitute Serge Bengono Manga rose highest to meet a cross, powering a header into the net to secure a dramatic 1-0 win.
In Yaoundé, the narrative of the young season shifted as defending champions Colombe Sportive du Dja et Lobo delivered a statement victory over league leaders Dynamo de Douala. Although Dynamo dictated the tempo in the first half, a decisive triple substitution at the interval by Colombe coach Richard Towa proved to be a masterstroke.
Just eight minutes into the second period, substitute Jumah Ikose provided a moment of pure magic, latching onto a Billy Marcel Djialeu pass to score with a sublime backheel. Despite a relentless late press from Dynamo and a missed penalty by Colombe’s Patrick Fergani Edzimbi, the champions held firm to hand Dynamo their first defeat of the campaign.
The most commanding display of the round occurred at the Fotso Victor Stadium in Bandjoun, where Panthère Sportive du Ndé ascended to the top of the table with a convincing 2-0 win over AS Fortuna de Mfou. Joseph Élie Tiba acted as the primary architect of the victory, assisting Georges Mbarga for the 21st-minute opener before doubling the lead himself ten minutes after the restart.
This clinical performance stood in stark contrast to the historical stalemate played out between Aigle Royal de la Menoua and Canon Sportif de Yaoundé. The two sides settled for a 0-0 draw at the Bamendzi Stadium, marking the twelfth time they have shared the points in their last 21 meetings. While Aigle Royal controlled possession, they were ultimately thwarted by an inspired performance from Canon goalkeeper Karim Bello.
Regional pride took the spotlight in the Moungo derby, which ended in a 1-1 split between Stade Renard de Melong and Aigle Royal du Moungo. After a scoreless opening half, Willy Namedji gave Stade Renard the lead in the 75th minute, but the celebration was short-lived. Just six minutes later, Janis Ebele found the equalizer for the visitors to ensure the points were shared.
Meanwhile, Coton Sport de Garoua finally ignited their season with a 1-0 away victory against Victoria United at the Limbe Centenary Stadium. An early 10th-minute strike from Ahmadou Ahidjo proved sufficient, as Coton Sport’s backline recorded its third consecutive clean sheet despite intense pressure from the hosts.
The round concluded with Unisport du Haut Nkam securing their first three points of the season at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium. A 14th-minute goal from Fokem was enough to edge out Fauve Azur 1-0. Although Unisport showed signs of physical fatigue late in the match, they successfully defended their slim advantage for over 70 minutes.
With the defensive patterns now firmly established, the Elite One championship continues this weekend, with the fourth day of action scheduled for Sunday, February 8.
