2024 BSFC Semi-Finals Preview: A Clash of Titans

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Teams in the Bui Sports Fans Competition (BSFC) will beginning their final push for the championship title this Sunday October 27 as the competition narrows down to the final four.

With just four teams remaining, the race for the 2024 championship title is reaching its climax. But the question on everyone’s lips is: Who will be crowned the 2024 BSFC champions?

Nso Boys FC and Melim United FC: A Clash of Newcomers and Veterans

One of the most intriguing matchups of the semi-finals is between Nso Boys FC and Melim United FC. Nso Boys, relative newcomers to the competition, have stormed into the semi-finals with impressive performances. Their attacking prowess, coupled with a solid defense, has made them a formidable force.

***Nso Boys FC*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Melim United, on the other hand, are seasoned campaigners in the BSFC. They’ve learned from past experiences and are determined to make a strong impact this year. Their disciplined defense and clinical finishing have been key to their success.

***Melim United FC*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Promise Enterprise FC against Dzekwa Rangers: A Battle of the Underdogs

The other semi-final pits Promise Enterprise FC against Dzekwa Rangers. Promise Enterprise, as newcomers, are eager to prove their worth and upset the more experienced Dzekwa Rangers. Their youthful exuberance and attacking flair could surprise many.

***Promise Enterprise FC*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Dzekwa Rangers, however, are not to be underestimated. With a strong core of experienced players, they have consistently performed well in the BSFC. Their tactical acumen and physicality will be crucial in this high-stakes encounter.

***Dzekwa Rangers FC*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

The Road to the Final

The semi-finals promise to be a electrifying spectacle, filled with intense battles, breathtaking goals, and unexpected twists. The winning teams will have to wait for the return leg semi-fianls clash to advance to the final, where they will have the opportunity to etch their names in the history books of the BSFC.

***Partial view of fans during the BSFC*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

As the competition reaches its final stages, fans are eagerly anticipating the exciting matches ahead. With so much at stake, every game being a must-watch.

BSFC Day 6: Dzekwa Rangers, Melim United Secure Qualification to Next Round

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Dzekwa Rangers and Melim FC have picked up their qualification tickets to the next round of the ongoing 2024 Bui Sports Fans Competition, BSFC after crucial day six matches.

**Teams battling for the supremacy** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Staged on October 20 in Yaoundé, both teams secured hard-fought wins to ensure their participation in the next phase of the 12th edition.

Bui Diaspora FC 0 – 3 Dzekwa Rangers FC

In the first match of the day, cup holders Bui Diaspora FC saw their dream come to an end as an inspiring Dzekwa Rangers outclassed them 3-0.

In the early minutes of the game, Bui Diaspora, who seemed to have fielded their second-choice team, looked promising and almost took the lead, but the opportunity went wide over the crossbar.

**Bui Diaspora FC** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Faced with a determined Dzekwa Rangers who needed a win, the exploits continued, and they opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Emmanuel Shiylajing. In the 28th minute, a mix-up in the defense of Bui Diaspora allowed Dzekwa’s Leonard Wirba to increase their tally.

In the second half, Bui Diaspora gathered their efforts to pull the strings, but they were thwarted each time they came close to scoring.

In the 64th minute, Germaine Fon scored the third goal for Dzekwa Rangers. The dream of qualifying for the next round was fading for Bui Diaspora, who tightened their defense to maintain their lead.

At the sound of the final whistle, Dzekwa Rangers booked their ticket to the next phase of the competition.

10-Man Melim United Thrashed Mile One 1-0

The second match of the day saw two determined teams fight for a lone ticket into the next round of the competition. While Melim United needed just a draw to qualify, Mile One Kumbo needed a victory to secure their chances.

The two teams started flexing their muscles with good football from both sides. However, Mile One Kumbo almost broke the deadlock, but their attacker was brought down, leading to a red card for Melim United.

Knowing the stakes of the game, Melim United began to mobilize. Their efforts collided with Mile One, who had a singular agenda of winning the game. However, Melim FC stood firm and took the lead from a free kick, earning a 1-0 advantage.

***Mile One Kumbo FC*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

In the second half, both sides created multiple chances, but their ability to outmaneuver each other was constantly halted. Despite Mile One’s domination, they couldn’t equalize the score.

Their dreams came to an end when the final whistle was blown. Melim United, therefore, joined Dzekwa Rangers in the next phase of the competition.

PFL Super Fights Heavyweight World Champion: Emotional Ngannou Honors Late Son With Knockout Victory

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Francis Ngannou is the new reigning Professional Fighter League (PFL) Super Fights Heavyweight World Champion. Ngannou claimed the title on October 19 in Mayadeen, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, defeating Brazilian Renan Ferreira in a fight that lasted three minutes and 32 seconds.

After the stoppage, the 38-year-old Cameroonian sat by Ferreira’s side weeping while receiving treatment. He had just finished a fight he dedicated to his son, who died in April at the age of 15 months.

“I just want to say please, remember my son, remember my son Kobe. I dedicate this one to him as his father,” Ngannou said. “I only took this fight because of him. I wanted to fight for him and I have done it. I hope the fans can remember his name because without Kobe, we wouldn’t be here tonight. I wouldn’t have fought.”

He added, “Thank you everyone for coming. Thank you to everyone for having us here. The people here are very lovely. I think you guys are more than fans in the 10 days I have been in Saudi. What I can call it in another way, family.”

“I think my next move in combat sports is all dependent on me, how I feel, how I deal with my life right now,” Ngannou said. “I always thought I still had a lot to give in combat sports and hopefully I keep thinking that way.”

In the first round, the two met in the center, receiving low kicks. After the low kicks, Ferreira narrowly missed a left hand, but a strong right hand from Ngannou shot in and scored a takedown. As Ngannou was looking to do work, Ferreira suddenly threw up his legs for a triangle choke attempt, but Ngannou got his head out as the referee warned Ferreira for having his toes in the fence.

About halfway through the round, Ngannou (6-4, 255 pounds) took down Ferreira (6-8, 261-pounds) near the fence inside the cage. Suddenly, caught dangerously between Ferreira’s massive legs, Ngannou muscled free and let his fists fly.

A barrage of punches pounded Ferreira’s head, and the massive Brazilian looked helpless when the referee called the fight with 1:28 left in the first round.

The victory marked Ngannou’s first appearance for the PFL since making his high-profile switch to the promotion in May last year. During the time in between, the heavyweight star made a brief, and lucrative, foray into boxing with bouts against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, also in Riyadh.

In another fight, Cris Cyborg, 39, was crowned PFL’s featherweight world champion, beating an opponent almost a decade younger in her fifth title from a major promotion. Larissa Pacheco, 30, landed plenty of hard shots, and it left Cyborg bleeding over both swollen eyes, but Cyborg survived thanks to her fists and determination. All three judges scored it 49-46.

“Larissa fights really hard. She’s a really good fighter,” Cyborg said. It’s a pleasure for me as I make the older generation fight for the new generation.”

Binance Boosts Crypto Access In West, Central Africa Through Mobile Money Integration

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Binance, a global leader in blockchain and cryptocurrency infrastructure, has furthered its commitment to innovation and broader cryptocurrency accessibility in Africa.

Through local partnerships, users in West and Central Africa, specifically Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, and Senegal, can now purchase crypto directly using mobile money payments.

“Binance remains dedicated to advancing financial inclusion and providing user-friendly solutions for crypto adoption across Africa,” said Samantha Fuller, a Binance spokesperson.

She added, “This expansion into West and Central Africa is a significant step toward our mission of increasing crypto adoption, offering millions more people direct access to the global digital economy.”

Currently, this new service supports only BUY transactions, simplifying the entry point for new crypto users in these regions and offering a reliable, secure platform to acquire digital assets.

Experts believe this new feature strengthens Binance’s commitment to providing simple and secure cryptocurrency access for users across the continent, reinforcing the platform’s vision of financial inclusion.

According to the firm, this move is fully aligned with Binance’s vision of promoting financial inclusion in Africa. By enabling mobile money payments, the platform aims to significantly overcome barriers to entry for potential crypto users.

Mobile money is widely used in many African countries, providing a convenient and accessible way for people without traditional banking services to participate fully in the digital economy.

Binance is the world’s leading blockchain ecosystem and cryptocurrency infrastructure provider, offering a comprehensive suite of financial products, including the largest digital asset exchange by volume.

Trusted by millions worldwide, Binance is dedicated to increasing financial freedom for users and features an unmatched portfolio of crypto products and offerings, including trading and finance, education, data and research, social good, investment and incubation, decentralization and infrastructure solutions, and more.

Nigerian Table Tennis Star, Quadri Aruna Out Of African Champs Due To Injury

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Nigerian table tennis star, Quadri Aruna, has been forced to withdraw from the Men’s Singles event at the 2024 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa Championships in Addis Ababa due to a thigh injury and fatigue.

***Quadri Aruna, Nigerian Table Tennis Star***

Despite leading Nigeria to a gold medal in the team event against Algeria on October 14, Aruna had to pull out of his second-round match against Benin Republic’s Dodji Fanny.

Aruna explained, “I’ve been playing in various tournaments for the past two months, often in different time zones. I was in India, Macau, China, and then Saudi Arabia for league matches. After a brief rest at home, I went to the French League for a training camp. Immediately after, I traveled to Ethiopia, which was exhausting. The high altitude in Addis Ababa made it even harder to acclimatize.”

He added, “During the team event, I felt pain in my buttock and tightness in my hamstring. It’s crucial to rest now to avoid worsening the injury.”

With several tournaments still ahead this year, including two more World Table Tennis (WTT) Champions and leagues in Saudi Arabia and France, Aruna emphasized the importance of recovery. “I need to rest to ensure I don’t aggravate the injury,” he said.

Aruna will stay with the team to support the younger players and will depart Addis Ababa with them this weekend.

Vantage Capital Closes €66 Million Mezzanine Investment In Camusat

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Vantage Capital, Africa’s largest mezzanine fund manager, announced today that it has closed a €66 million mezzanine investment in Camusat Holding S.A.S. The proceeds will be used to refinance debt and fund the capital expenditure required for expansion of the group’s AktivCo division.

Vantage Capital’s investment is part of a global financing package of €81 million provided in consortium with Eurazeo, a leading European investment group. This transaction represents Vantage Capital’s 39th investment across four generations of funds with its portfolio of investments spread across eleven African countries.

Speaking shortly after announcing the deal, Richard Thomas, CEO of Camusat, expressed his appreciation for the conclusion of the transaction.

“We are very pleased to have concluded the transaction with Vantage Capital. This financial and strategic partnership comes at a time when we are further expanding our presence in Africa, and we are confident that Vantage Capital’s extensive network and expertise on the continent will be a great support in achieving our objectives,” Richard Thomas said.

Luc Albinski, Executive Chairman at Vantage Capital, pointed out that Vantage Capital is proud to partner with such a leading and dynamic group as Camusat.

“Throughout the process, we have been impressed by management’s deep knowledge of the telecom industry, but also their firm commitment to help increase connectivity in parts of Africa where network coverage remains underdeveloped,” Luc Albinski said.

Thibaut de Rodellec, Deputy CEO of Camusat, said, “We were convinced from our very first discussions that Vantage Capital and Camusat would be a great fit. We always look beyond the financial aspect when forming new partnerships, and we were glad to discover that our firms share common ethics, vision and dedication. We will ensure this partnership is a success for all stakeholders.”

Driss Benabdeslam, Partner at Vantage Capital, said, by investing in Camusat, Vantage is backing a group that is engaged in a vital and buoyant industry and constantly strives for operational and corporate excellence.

“Camusat has incorporated best-in-class ESG practices and implemented various CSR measures directed at supporting local communities and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from the telecom sector. We are thrilled to support the group in creating more value and generating an even greater positive social impact over the years to come,” he said.

Camusat is a leading telecommunications player managing fully integrated and sustainable business models for the deployment and management of telecom infrastructure while championing the decarbonization of mobile network operators (MNOs).

Partnering with major investment funds that support green investments, Camusat is pursuing its ambition to become the leading “Infra as a Service” partner for the mobile telecom industry, with a broad presence in emerging markets, especially in Africa.

The group operates across twenty countries (including fifteen on the African continent) and through two synergistic divisions, AktivCo and OpCo.

Vantage Capital, established in 2001, is Africa’s leading fund manager with over $1.6 billion in assets. Its Mezzanine division has invested in 39 companies across 11 African countries since 2006, and its GreenX division has funded 15 renewable energy projects in South Africa.

Cameroonian Journalist, Leocadia Bongben Wins Health Technologies Media Award

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Leocadia Bongben, a Cameroonian freelance journalist specialized in science and solutions, has won the Grand Prize of the 2nd edition of the Health Technologies Media Award of Excellence.

***Leocadia Bongben*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

The award was recently bestowed upon her for her article, “Made in Cameroon: The Locally Fabricated Incubator Designed to Give Pre-term Babies a Fighting Chance,” published in Nigeria Health Watch.

Organized by the Platform for Dialogue and Action on Health Technologies in Africa (Health Tech Platform) and the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), the award recognizes exceptional journalism that raises public awareness and understanding of emerging health technologies (EHTs) in Africa.

Speaking after the announcement, Leocadia Bongben said, “I am honoured to emerge as Grande Prize of this prestigious award. It is an encouragement to unearth more underreported solutions.”

“I dedicate Award to Nigeria Health Watch for encouraging rigourous journalism as one of the early pioneers of Solutions Journalism.”

Leocadia Bongben’s article seek to showcase innovation in health techologies through a solution, how it works but also the limitations.

In the Print category, Afeez Hanafi emerged as the winner, while Abdel Aziz Nabaloum was the runner-up. In the online category, Derick Matsengarwodzi took the top spot, with Richard Wetaya as the runner-up.

In the Radio category, Dajie Odok was the winner, and Kevin John Brandt was the runner-up. In the TV category, Portia Garbor won, while Emmanuel Raphael Samani was the runner-up.

The annual EHTs Media Award aims to promote quality reporting on emerging health technologies being developed for use in Africa.

It also seeks to raise public awareness, understanding, participation, and local ownership of these technologies.

The award focuses on emerging health technologies prioritized by the African Union as having the potential to significantly impact disease and health in Africa if well developed, tested, and deployed.

These technologies include gene drives and monoclonal antibodies for malaria control, drones, microgrids, artificial intelligence, gene editing, and next-generation medicine.

Ngannou Faces Ferreira In A Battle Of Giants October 19

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Mixed Martial Arts, MMA world is abuzz with anticipation as two of the most fearsome heavyweights, Francis Ngannou and Renan Ferreira, prepare to collide in a titanic clash on October 19th. This highly anticipated showdown, dubbed the “Battle of the Giants,” promises to be a spectacle of raw power and skill.

***Francis Ngannou aka “The Predator”***

This epic showdown will take place in the PFL SmartCage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will be making his highly anticipated return to MMA to face the reigning PFL heavyweight champion, Renan Ferreira.

After a brief hiatus that saw him venture into the world of boxing, Francis Ngannou is making a triumphant return to the mixed martial arts arena. Known for his devastating knockout power, Ngannou has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport. As the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, he brings a wealth of experience and a burning desire to reclaim his throne.

Renan Ferreira, the reigning PFL Heavyweight Champion, has proven his dominance in the cage with a series of impressive victories. With his powerful strikes and submission skills, Ferreira has established himself as a force to be reckoned with. As he enters the octagon to defend his title against Ngannou, he will be looking to cement his legacy as one of the top heavyweights in the world.

The matchup between Ngannou and Ferreira is a dream fight for many MMA fans. Both fighters possess exceptional striking abilities, and their encounter is expected to be a thrilling display of power and technique. The outcome of this battle will have significant implications for the heavyweight division and could potentially reshape the landscape of the sport.

Ngannou, “The Predator” last fought in the UFC in January 2022 before pursuing a career in boxing. Following defeats to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Ngannou joined the Professional Fighters League, PFL on a multi-fight deal. This will be Ngannou’s first test in the PFL.

Ferreira, the 6ft8 giant known as “Problema” has proven to be a dominant force in the PFL SmartCage. Renan Ferreira’s four-fight winning streak, culminating in the 2023 PFL heavyweight title, underscores his fearsome reputation.

Despite not competing in MMA for nearly three years, Francis Ngannou remains a formidable favorite entering the contest. The former UFC Heavyweight Champion boasts an impressive record of 17 wins in 20 MMA bouts, with a staggering 12 of those victories coming by way of knockout. His reputation as a devastating striker and his recent training regimen make him a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.

Despite being the underdog, Ferreira has proven time and again that he can deliver stunning upsets. With a record of 13 wins out of 19 professional MMA fights, Ferreira has established himself as a formidable opponent. As he prepares to face the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Ferreira will be looking to prove that he is more than capable of pulling off another upset.

In addition to the highly anticipated main event, the Battle of the Giants card features a number of other exciting matchups. Cris Cyborg is looking forward to defend her Women’s Featherweight World Title against Larissa Pacheco, as well as a thrilling Bellator Middleweight World Title bout between Johnny Eblen and Fabian Edwards.

Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions Secures Spot In 2025 AFCON

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon have secured their place in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament to be held in Morocco.

***Boris Enow celebrates his goal*** *(Photo Credit: FECAFOOT)*

A solitary goal from Boris Enow in the second half was enough to seal a 1-0 victory over Kenya in their Group J match in Kampala, Uganda. This win extended Cameroon’s lead at the top of the group to 10 points, effectively securing their qualification.

Despite early pressure from Kenya, Cameroon’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, remained composed. The match remained goalless at halftime, despite both teams having chances.

The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute when Enow’s free-kick found the back of the net. Cameroon pushed for a second goal, but Kenya nearly equalized late in the game. However, Olunga’s shot was deflected for a corner.

Speaking after the game, Andre Onana said, “I think we’re already qualified. We came here to win, we did. Happy for the victory because we have shown that we are a great team. Am happy with how we played Now we are moving forward.”

He added, “Playing for the Cameroon national team is a great honor and also a great responsibility. Playing with this jersey is something extraordinary. We must always be prepared, I am very confident.”

With this victory, Cameroon has qualified for the 2025 AFCON with two matches still to play. They remain undefeated in the group.

Cameroon currently leads Group J with 10 points, followed by Zimbabwe with 5 points. Kenya is in third place with 4 points, and Namibia is at the bottom with no points.

BSFC Honors Colombe of Dja and Lobo Captain, Randy Kwalar

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Randy Kwalar, the captain of Colombe of Dja and Lobo Division, has been recognized by the Bui Sports Fans Competition (BSFC). The recognition was bestowed upon Kwalar on October 13th in Yaoundé during the fifth day of play of the ongoing 2024 edition of the BSFC.

***Bui Strikers Veteran President, Hyginus Sakah (L) and BSFC Coordinator, Godlove Meye (R ) honouring Randy Kwalar (middile)*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Kwalar was celebrated for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment in leading Colombe to their historic first-ever Cameroon Cup Trophy. Speaking during the ceremony, Hyginus Sakah, the President of Bui Strikers, praised Kwalar for his leadership and dedication.

“We are immensely proud of you,” Sakah said. “This is just the beginning of great things to come. Continue in this spirit.”

***Bui Strikers Veteran President, Hyginus Sakah (L) and Randy Kwalar (R)*** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

Colombe of Dja and Lobo Division clinched their first-ever Cameroon Cup trophy with a 1-0 victory over Aigle Roya of Menoua on September 29th. In the ongoing 2024 edition of the BSFC, Randy Kwalar plays for Promise Enterprise FC, which has qualified for the second round of the competition.

Kwalar has been a key player in the South Regional team, which has been performing well in the Cameroon Elite One Championship. Before joining Colombe, Kwalar played for Yong Sport Academy of Bamenda, where he was also the team captain. He has also played for several other elite one and two teams in the country including Kumbo Strikers N. FC.

***Promise FC team mates celebrating with Randy after BSFC recognition (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)***

Kwalar has a history of success in the BSFC, an annual football tournament aimed at identifying and promoting talented players from Bui Division in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Since 2007, the competition has played a crucial role in spearheading community development through sports.

Players from Bui Division who have participated in the BSFC have gone on to achieve great success both in Cameroon and abroad, with some even representing the country at the senior national team level. The competition also fosters peace and social cohesion.

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