By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The 13th edition of the Bui Sports Fans Competition (BSFC), the flagship tournament organized by the Bui Strikers Veteran Football Club of Yaoundé, kicked off on Sunday September 28 with an unusual—and unforgettable—display of defensive grit.
All four participating teams registered goalless draws in their opening matches, leaving spectators eager for the first breakthrough goal of the tournament.
The opening day was dominated by a resolute show of defensive strength and tactical discipline. Both afternoon contests failed to produce a single goal, setting a tense tone for a competition that is not only about football but also about fostering community spirit among the Bui community living in and out of Yaoundé.
In the first eagerly anticipated match, Dzekwa Rangers FC and Melim United FC battled to a hard-fought 0-0 draw. Dzekwa Rangers, an established presence and the oldest participant in the BSFC—having competed since the 2013 edition—entered the field as one of the favorites.
However, they were repeatedly thwarted by a fiercely determined Melim United squad. Melim, appearing intent on taking points away from the veterans, executed a tight defensive plan that frustrated the Rangers’ attack.
After a barren first half defined by midfield skirmishes, the second half promised more goals but ultimately ended with the points shared. Both clubs also competed in the last edition in 2024, continuing a developing rivalry.
Melim United, which joined following the tournament’s relaunch in 2022, has publicly stated its ambition to lift the prestigious trophy this year.
The action continued in the second fixture, where Chitah FC’s title aspirations were put on notice when they were held to a surprising goalless draw by the new commers, Nso Youth of Nkolmeseng FC.
While Chitah FC looked strong on paper, boasting a talented lineup in what is their second time participating in the competition, the action on the field proved significantly different. Chitah pressed hard in the opening minutes, attempting to impose their style of play.
Yet, the young Nso Youth side responded with a series of unexpected, energetic moves that increased the match’s tension. This robust performance from the newcomers signaled clearly that Chitah FC was up against a far more formidable and organized side than perhaps expected.
Despite a lively second half that saw more spectacular offensive attempts from both teams, the match also finished 0-0.
The 13th edition of the BSFC features a compact, intense format. The four competing teams will first complete a round-robin phase, playing each other once to determine their final group standing. Following this, the competition will advance to the decisive knockout phase, where there will be no room for further draws. The BSFC is a highlight of the Bui community calendar, symbolizing unity and healthy rivalry through sport.
Next week’s fixtures promise a shift in the current dynamic, as teams will be under pressure to find the back of the net to secure a better position before the knockout stage.
In the next matches, Chitah FC will face Melim United while Dzekwa Rangers will confront the spirited newcomers, Nso Youth.
Will the second week finally see the goal drought broken, or will the defensive masters continue their reign?
