The final is usually a moment of great communion between the Head of State and Cameroonians. The 44th edition of the national Challenge Cup final, that will pit Coton Sport of Garoua and Sable Batie, promises to be full of fireworks. Preparations have reached fever peak in the nation’s capital. The Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, venue of the event, has taken a new face lift.
The playground has been completely replaced with fresh green turf and a coat of paint sprayed to brighten the stadium. The final rehearsals for the pre-match displays – march past, coordinated parades and animation, will take place tomorrow as from 2:00pm. It will be presided at by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Bidoung Mkpatt.
The main actors, Coton Sport and Sable of Batie, are also bracing up for D-day. Both teams have been camping for the past two weeks; Coton Sport in Garoua and Sable Batie in Douala. Last Wednesday, the Minister of Youth and Sports gave each team CFA three million to enable them finalise their preparation. League champions Coton Sport, who are gunning for the double, beat Tonnerre 1-0 in the first leg and 2-0 in the return leg semi finals to grab their qualification ticket. Coton Sport will, however, face last year’s finalists, Sable, who look determined to win after losing to Mount Cameroon in their previous try. In the semi-finals, Sable walked over Canon Yaounde on a 3-1 aggregate, drawing 1-1 in the away leg and beating Canon 2-0 in the return leg.
The final of the Cup of Cameroon in football marks the end of the sports season in Cameroon. It is a moment of great communion between the Head of State and the population, especially as the event is attended by all sports federation presidents.
Irene MORIKANG
