By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
SAFF FC has been crowned champions of the 19th annual Bum Development Union (BUFA) Yaounde branch tournament, defeating Alung FC in a penalty shootout on Sunday August 3.
The final match, attended by the British High Commissioner to Cameroon, Matt Woods and other dignitaries, saw both teams battle to a 2-2 draw at regular time.
SAFF FC had earlier taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half after capitalizing on a defensive error. However, Alung FC mounted a comeback after the break, scoring twice to level the score just before the final whistle.
The game proceeded directly to a penalty shootout where SAFF FC emerged victorious.
Following the match, BUFA President Hycenth Chia praised the large turnout and the injury-free game. He told the crowd, “Today, there is no winner or loser; it is a celebration of the Bum community for their resilience and achievements.”
Chia announced a fundraising event would follow the match to support the construction of the Bum Community Hall in Yaounde. He urged community members and supporters to contribute, emphasizing that the hall would serve as a crucial meeting place for the Bum people to discuss future development plans.
Prince Tam Yai, the BUFA President, highlighted the tournament’s history since its inception in 2007. He noted its success in bringing together the Bum community in Yaounde, allowing them to “laugh, shout, win and lose together and find home again.”
The British High Commissioner, speaking before the game, commended the tournament as a tool for uniting the Bum people through sports and fostering development. The day concluded with a gala night aimed at raising funds for the community hall’s completion.
