Aju Mane

A Game Of Two Halves

Three goals to zero and Cameroon are off to Cote d'Ivoire for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The score will flatter the Lions Indomptables Officiel but they have Andre Onana to thank!. The Man Utd goalkeeper was called into action on a number of occasions to keep the scores level at half time before Burundi collapsed in the second half with some catastrophic defending.

Bryan Mbeumo, Christopher Wooh and Vincent Aboubakar struck to send Cameroon to Abidjan next January!

Four goals in four appearances for club and country! Bryan Mbeumo is having an electric start to the season!

It's 0-0 at Halftime thanks to....Onana

The Man Utd goalkeeper has kept Cameroon so far in the game with his fine saves. Despite a lion's share of possession, Cameroon have found it difficult to break down a resilient Burundi side. The visitors have stuck to their game plan, sucking the pressure and hitting the Lions on the break.
Burundi will be happy with their first half and a similar effort might surely be rewarded with a goal in the second half.

On their part, the Lions need some urgency in their game and play as a unit.

It's 0-0 at the break!

This is how the Lions Indomptables Officiel line up tonight against Burundi

Memory Lane 3

Bitter Rivalry: The Bad Blood Between Mount Cameroon FC and Victoria United!

You couldn’t afford to miss local derbies in the South West Region back in the darivalryvalries between clubs were intense across all levels of the game. The South West Region was used to the rivalries among traditional clubs like Victoria United, Tiko United, Prisons of Buea, PWD, CAMARK, Kumba..etc However, the turn of the new millennium saw the rise of new teams in the region that brought in a new order and the balance of power started shifting.

It is the case with Mount Cameroon FC of Buea who became the new powerhouse, challenging the authority of the established and traditional clubs of the region. Down town Limbe, the emergence of Mount Cameroon was never completely accepted.

The emergence of Mount Cameroon saw them become the first club in the region to lift the Cup of Cameroon trophy (2002).
However, competing in the National Division I championship alongside Victoria United, OPOPO was still seen and loved as the people’s club. This was recipe for an explosive game each time Victoria United met Mount Cameroon FC of Buea.

OPOPO Strike First!

On of such memorable games between Victoria United aka OPOPO and Mount Cameroon FC of Buea was on Sunday, March 2, 2003 at the Limbe Centenary Stadium on Matchday V of the National Division I football championship.

Victoria United had won just one of their four games at the start of the season while Mount Cameroon FC of Buea were among the chasing pack hunting down league leaders PWD Bamenda who had an immaculate start with five wins in as many games.
The noise level at the Centenary Stadium was at its peak as supporters of the home side tried to intimidate Mount Cameroon FC and their travelling fans.

It was Victoria United who struck first blood after 15 minutes, when striker Dorge Rostand Kouemaha beat the offside trap to slot the ball past goalkeeper Etame Soppo of Mount Cameroon FC of Buea.
The ‘Lava Boys’ didn’t take long to respond as nine minutes later, Paul Essono(24’) brought them level through a well-taken finish from close range.

Victoria United wasted several opportunities to get themselves back ahead with Kouemaha and captain Ncha all denied by fine saves from goalkeeper Etame Soppo.

The Magic Water Bottle!

The home crowd could not believe their eyes! Goalkeeper Etame Soppo was not normal between the sticks. He was stopping just anything that was coming his way! There was a bottle of water just inside his goal post. As the game unfolded, Etame Soppo would shake this bottle, sip a bit of water and place it back at one corner of his goal post.

Victoria United fans didn’t see this as an ordinary bottle of water and started suspecting it was some magic portion that was giving Etame Soppo strength to stop OPOPO from scoring.

With Victoria United still missing clear cut chances at the start of the second half, a section of their fans invaded the stadium and attempted to w**d off the water bottle at the corner of Etame Soppo’s post.

The goalkeeper resisted the attempt and was soon joined by his understudy, Felix Ekotto and other team mates as the situation morphed into a full blown altercation.

After the intervention of forces of law and order, calm was restored 20 minutes later and the game resumed with the water bottle eventually taken off the pitch.

Upon resumption, Victoria United finally got the much-needed second goal when Edwin Ifeanyi (62’), who had just returned from a professional test abroad, volleyed a long-range shot past Etame Soppo to send the home crowd into ecstasy.

With the game on a knife-edge all through, security was gradually reinforced in and out of the stadium as Mount Cameroon FC searched for the equalizer while Victoria United held on to their precious lead till the final blast of the whistle.

The post-match discussions were was dominated by accusations and counter accusations. The Head Coach Mount Cameroon FC of Buea, Alain Wabo (RIP) protested against the match officials for going ahead with the game despite the crowd trouble.

He accused the home crowd of injuring his two goalkeepers Etame Soppo and Felix Ekotto and called to strip OPOPO of the three points.
Mount Cameroon FC and their supporters left the stadium empty handed and under high security es**rt to avoid further escalation of the tension.

Victoria United, the people’s club had gotten one over Mount Cameroon FC, who were the nouveau riche of South West football.

By Aju Mane

Memory Lane 2

How Botafogo AFC of Buea Flattered To Deceive!

Last time out, we(South West Football-Cameroon) told you about Victoria United and their financial difficulties as they were relegated from the topflight. OPOPO dropped alongside another club from the South West Region; Botafogo FC of Buea.

Despite so much promise, Botafogo of Buea spent just one season in the National Division I football championship and were relegated for good. But what really happened?

In the early 2000s, Mount Cameroon FC of Buea and Victoria United were proudly flying the flag of the South West Region in the National Division I championship. A third club joined them! Botafogo AFC of Buea were the new rising stars of football in the South West Region.

After impressing in the South West Regional Football League where they emerged champions after seeing out Kumba Lakers, Botafogo of Buea went on to grab their Division I ticket at the 2003 National Interpools (11-26 October, 2003).

They were promoted to the top flight on October 26, 2003, alongside Esperance of Guider, Kadji Sports Academy of Douala and the Ngaoundere University Football Club.
A new chapter opened in their history and the club was ready to play among the big boys. Life at the top was tough. But why was their introduction into the top flight difficult?

Good Start !

Botafogo AFC of Buea were lodged in Group A of the National Division I championship alongside Racing of Bafoussam, Bamboutos of Mbouda, Union of Douala, Canon of Yaounde, Victoria United of Limbe, Esperance of Guider, Renaissance of Ngoumou and PWD of Bamenda. Their objective of the season was to maintain their top flight status. That seemed on track when they started the season with two wins and three draws with a remarkable victory over Canon of Yaounde at the Molyko Omnisports Stadium.

They ended the first phase of the season fifth in their group with 23 points from 16 games; winning six, drawing 5 and losing five. They just missed out on the play offs for the league title on goal difference after Union of Douala piped them to fourth.

However, things started going down the drain in the second half of the season after they were paired with the other four teams in Group A for the relegation play offs.

No Money, No Success!

The absence of club President Valentine Ndeley Molulu was taking a big toll on the club. Based in the United Kingdom for most of the times, the club President had to watch proceedings from afar as the club struggled to survive. Players and coaches complained of salary arrears. Even the training bonuses that reportedly stood at FCFA 500 were irregular as the players struggled to get motivation.

Things even got worse! Botafogo FC at times had difficulties travelling away for matches. It was the case on September 1, 2004, when Union of Douala hosted Botafogo of Buea at the Reunification Stadium in the second leg round of 16 fixture of the Cup of Cameroon.
Union had comfortably won the first leg at the Molyko Omnisports Stadium four goals to one and were looking to book their place into the next round.

The game was scheduled to start at 3pm but one hour to time, Botafogo FC were yet to arrive at the stadium. Union of Douala had done their pre match warm ups, yet Botafogo had still not arrived.
Botafogo finally arrived at the Reunification Stadium around 15h30 and according to regulations, Union of Doula would have won the match by forfeiture.

However, referee Mahammadou Mal Souley was lenient as he entertained the plea from Botafogo FC players. Team captain Wose Paul explained they left Buea the same day around 2pm due to financial difficulties and not every player was motivated to travel for the game so just a couple of players and team officials boarded the bus for Douala. Traffic at Rond Point Deido further delayed them on the way.

Coach Monthe Fumes Out!

There was no time to waste as the referee ordered Botafogo FC to get on the pitch without any warm up session.
As early as the fourth minute, Botafogo conceded from a set piece as Union defender Banaken beat goalkeeper Manyaka of Botafogo. The team from Buea did find a way to level scores in the second half through substitute Mbondji (73’). However, a late penalty converted by Nkendo (89’) ensured Union of Douala carried the day and progressed to the quarter final of the Cup of Cameroon on a 6-2 aggregate score.

“In these (poor) conditions, I cannot ask a miracle from my players. Our poor results are partly due to the poor organization within our management and the lack of financial resources,” Botafogo Head Coach, Joseph Monthe lashed out after the defeat to Union.
On the events that led to their late arrival at the stadium, Joseph Monthe did not hold back as he criticised the amateurish management of the club.

“We have unprofessional administrators. If a coach sets a program, that must be respected but the administrators want to impose theirs. We took lunch late, and the bus to transport the players to Douala arrived late. The first division is not amateurism, you have to be serious. I blame the administrators, I point fingers at them, and I denounce their laxity. “I have the impression that we were not ready for the First Division,” Joseph Monthe said.

Before the season could end, some injured players had been abandoned to themselves while others had left the club for new experiences. It was the case with Augustine Ntui and Patrick Nso Nde who were invited for trials in Germany. Coach Joseph was against their early departure as he needed them in their battle against relegation but club officials wanted to cash in on the two players and this led to serious disagreements. Nso Nde finally left for Germany where he was training with an amateur side while Augustine Ntui remained stuck in Cameroon due to administrative procedures. With the two key players missing, Botafogo could not cope.

Knocked out of the Cup of Cameroon, Botafogo of Buea now had only the league to focus on but they will equally fall short as they were relegated at the end of the season. A once-promising dream ended in tatters and a tragic end. Attempts to return to the top flight have all ended at the level of the South West Regional League Mini Interpools.

By Aju Mane

This is how the week looks for the Lions Indomptables Officiel ahead of their crucial encounter against Burundi!

Andre Onana and Gael Ondoua Ondoua heading to the Lions Indomptables Officiel's den!

Breaking!

Andre Onana announces his return to the national team Lions Indomptables Officiel

2023 Afcon Qualifiers:
Lions Indomptables Officiel open camp today in Yaoundé ahead of their crucial game against Burundi on Sept 12 in Garoua.

The following players are expected in camp:

Fabrice Ondoa
- André Onana
- Oumar Gonzalez
- Malcom Bokele
- Harold Moukoudi
- Christopher Wooh
- Nouhou Tolo
- Enzo Tchato
- Darlin Yongwa
- Olivier Kemen
- Olivier Ntcham
- Gaël Ondoua
- Samuel Oum Gouet
- Franck Zambo Anguissa
- François Régis Mughe
- Vincent Aboubakar
- Clinton Njie
- Bryan Mbeumo

MEMORY LANE

2004: The Trials And Tribulations Of Victoria United!

Victoria United aka OPOPO are seriously preparing for their return to top flight football after gaining promotion last season by emerging champions of the MTN Elite II.
But, can you remember the last time Opopo kicked a ball in the MTN Elite I. That was 19 years ago during the 2004 MTN Elite I season when they were relegated from the topflight. But how didt it all happen back then? Let’s us take you memory lane to these dark year of the club.

Njalla Quan Resigns, Motanga Steps In!

The writings were already on the wall since 2003 but the arrival of Andrew Motanga Monjimba (RIP) as President of Victoria United on October 16, 2003 during an Ordinary Congress of Victoria United held in Limbe seemed to paper over the visible cracks within the club. He was stepping into the void left by Henry Njalla Quan(RIP) who had just resigned as President of Victoria United with four match days left to the end of the 2003 MTN Elite I football season.

Victoria United United were a mid-table team, ranked ninth (9) on the table when Andrew Motanga took over. The first challenge was to secure the club’s topflight status which Mr. Motanga did. Victoria United finished the 2003 MTN Elite I football season on the eighth position with 38 points from 30 games. The team won nine (09) games, drew eleven (11) and lost ten (10), scoring 27 goals and conceding 25 for a goal difference of plus two (+2). The first objective of the Andrew Motanga era had been attained and they now had to prepare for the 2004 season with hopes.

Financial Difficulties Force Key Players To Leave

The euphoria that greeted Andre Motanga’s arrival soon died down at the end of the season as the team could not keep some of their players like Mouansie Jean, Ifeayi Hiong, Nana Edward, Fomumbob…etc who all left for pastures new. Not able to retain key players because of the lack of financial resources, Victoria United decided to recruit young and inexperienced players in the lower leagues to prepare for the 2004 MTN Elite I Championship.

The 2004 season was not like the others. Eighteen clubs were competing in two groups and Victoria United were lodged in Group B, described as the group of death alongside Racing of Bafoussam, Bamboutos of Mbouda, Union of Douala, Canon of Yaounde, Botafogo of Buea, Esperance of Guider, Renaissance of Ngoumou and PWD of Bamenda.
Group A had a lineup of defending champions, Cotonsport of Garoua, Sable of Batie, Fovu of Baham, Mount Cameroon FC of Buea, Tonnerre of Yaounde, Unisport of Bafang, Kadji Sports Academy of Douala, Ngaoundere University and Cintra of Yaounde.

The teams that finished bottom of each group were automatically relegated.
On the other hand, the four best teams of each group progressed to a play-off to determine the champion while the other four of each group battled in another mini-championship for survival as two other teams had to be relegated.

Motanga Also Steps Aside

As predicted, Victoria United had a bad start to the season. After eight match days, Victoria United were bottom of their group with just five points. Club President Andrew Motanga looked overwhelmed by the situation and on April 11, 2004, he tabled in his resignation to the board of administration of the club. Among several issues, he cited the inability of the club to raise enough funds to take care of the players’ needs.

“Our accounts are empty and we don’t have enough funds to take care of the team’s needs,” Andrew Motanga advanced as one of the reasons for his resignation.
Several new players complained they had not received a single franc promised them as signing-on bonus as they club claimed they had already spent about 35,5 million FCFA just at the start of the season.

Tensions were rife between head coach Jean Baptiste Kiam, who claimed to have gone for three months without salary, and the management of Victoria United. In one of his press conferences after a game against Union of Douala at the Reunification Stadium, coach Kiam openly blamed the administration of Victoria United for poorly managing the team.
With Andrew Motanga gone, the other members of the executive had to manage the affairs on the team as they survived from donations of elite from Fako and other well-wishers. Their support was not enough to keep Victoria United up in the top flight as they were relegated to the MTN Elite II alongside Botafogo FC of Buea.

Since then, the wait for top flight football has been long but the club is back today among the big boys with bigger ambitions.

By Aju Mane