It has been a poor start for Canon Yaounde in defence of their league title. Playing in their new home in Douala, Canon saw fire from Racing who pounded them 3-0, all goals scored in the first half. Racing announced their colours through a new found Liberian connection of Pauley and Bachia. Both had a goal each, while Zah was on hand for the second in a match completely dominated by Racing.
The best Canon could obtain was preventing Racing from scoring in the second half. Skipper Etoungou was at his best in the goal, saving his side from more damage. But his strikers failed to make use of the dismissal of Wallang, the defence pivot of Racing during stoppage time of the first half.
Three other teams recorded wins in day one action of the 44th national football season. Though cup holders, Mount Cameroon FC disappointed home fans with their play style, they had an essential 1-0 win over new comers Caiman Douala, thanks to an 18th minute goal by Esssono.
Unisport Bafang played solid on the grounds of Sable Batie, winning 1-0 too. Like Caiman, Sable finished the game with ten men following the expulsion of Tabi William.
New comers Renaissance Ngoumou started averagely, picking a point from a one all draw against Union in Douala. While Fovu fought back like lions for a last minute equaliser against Tonnerre Yaounde in Mbouda.
Defending vice champions, Coton Sport Garoua failed to find the back of the net in Bandjoun as the locals Stade saved a point from a virgin tie. A simlar scoreline was recorded in Yaounde where visiting Bamboutos Mbouda refused to use their reserve bench for fear that the witch doctors of Cintra Yaounde had spoiled it.
The season was opened by Victoria United of Limbe away to new comers PWD Bamanda. Ngwa Ferdinand sent the 10.000 crowd wild with joy with the lone goal of the day on 7 minutes. Though Victoria United (OPOPO) gradually became proprietors of the game, they failed to break through the defence wall of PWD.
Goallkeeper Guy Nzonkou performed near miracles to preserve their advantage. For that he won the prize (20.000 F CFA) for man of the match.
Before that game, Mr. Andrien Kouambo, the governor of the North West province which has Bamenda as capital, officially launched the season. He urged players to execise fair play, referees to show objectivity and fans good conduct during the season.
For Fecafoot first vice president, Mr. Robert Penne recognised the fact that football « was a reigning force in Cameroon » . He praised PWD for their return to division one and called on the fans to throw enough financial support behind their club so that they can last in the national championship.
Mr . Penne reminded the fans that football was an entertainment, not war. Therefore, they must be fair play and very disciplined.
Martin Etonge
