By Neilley Claude EBESSA,
journalist, kick442. Com – Cameroun
The Cameroonian sporting landscape is expanding. This Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the Ahmadou Ahidjo Annex Stadium hosted the official launch of the Cameroon 7-a-side Football Association (ACF7) for Zone 5 (Centre Region). This strategic rollout confirms the federation’s ambition to establish a nationwide presence.
Institutional and Media Synergy
Kickoff of the exhibition match done by the représentative of the Governor
The day kicked off with a major press conference.
Addressing over a dozen media outlets, Executive Director Philémon Mbale detailed the roadmap: club structuring, grassroots scouting, and strict affiliation with international bodies (CAF7 and IFA7). The presence of the Centre Region Governor’s representative and officials from the Ministry of Sports (MINSEP) signaled strong government backing for this innovative discipline.
Game On: Intensity at the Core
On the pitch, the exhibition match between Nkolimana FC and Grassfield United offered a glimpse of “Total 7-a-side Football”:
* Breakneck Pace: The absence of offsides forced high-pressing lines and lightning-fast transitions.
* Technical Showcase: The compact space highlighted the players’ dribbling skills and rapid reflexes.
* Final Score (0-0): While the nets didn’t bulge, the fluid ball movement and physical intensity captivated technical observers.
The exhibition match officials
Global Ambitions
Beyond local promotion, ACF7 is aiming high. This launch is the first step in a scouting process for major 2026 milestones: the Egypt tournament in February, the World Cup in Honduras in May, and the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in August. “We are building the reservoir for future 7-a-side Lions,” the zonal board stated.
The Caravan Moves On: The focus now shifts to Douala, where the Littoral Zonal Bureau awaits the public this Saturday, December 20, at the Bonamoussadi Stadium for another show of force.
TECHNICAL SHEET: Understanding 7-a-side Football (ACF7 / IFA7 Standards)
Nkolimana FC
Vs
Grassfield United
7-a-side football is a hybrid discipline, blending the technical flair of futsal with the power of traditional football. Here are the key rules governing the sport in Cameroon:
1. Match Duration & Pitch
* Duration: 50 minutes (two 25-minute halves) with a 10-minute break.
* Dimensions: Approx. 50m x 30m (roughly half of a standard 11-a-side pitch).
* Surface: Natural grass or turf.
* Ball: Size 5 (same as traditional football).
2. Team Composition
* On the Pitch: 7 players (6 outfield players + 1 goalkeeper).
* Substitutions: Unlimited and “rolling” (the game doesn’t stop; the player must exit before their sub enters).
* Total Squad: Usually 12 to 14 players per match sheet.
3. Golden Rules for Spectatorship
* No Offsides: This is the game-changer. It encourages direct play and constant goal-mouth action.
* Throw-ins/Kick-ins: Depending on the competition, restarts are done by foot (to maintain speed) or by hand.
* Shoot-out: For serious fouls or to break a tie, a player starts from the center circle and has 5 seconds to challenge the keeper 1-on-1 and score.
* Cards: Yellow (caution), Blue (2-minute temporary dismissal), Red (permanent dismissal).
4. The Spirit of the Game
* Intensity: A player touches the ball an average of 3 times more than in 11-a-side football.
* Transition: Ball recovery instantly turns into a scoring opportunity.
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