By Boris Esono
Sportswriter, Kick442.com-Cameroon
The Anglophone derby will take centre stage this Sunday, January 25, when Victoria United and PWD Bamenda clash at the Limbe Centenary Stadium in a highly anticipated Matchday One fixture of the 2025/26 Elite One season.
The fixture pits two proud Anglophone clubs against each other in a contest that goes far beyond three points – it is a battle of pride, identity and regional supremacy.
Victoria United, popularly known as Opopo, head into the encounter with the psychological advantage, having dominated the rivalry in recent seasons. Last term, the Limbe-based side completed a league double over PWD Bamenda, accentuating their growing authority in the derby.
The first meeting of the 2024/25 season took place at the MTN Arena in Mbouda, where Victoria United produced a commanding performance to defeat the Abakwa Boys 3–1. Goals from Ryan Tetego, Marcelin Adimana and Jauris Tchanna sealed a convincing away victory that sent a strong message to their rivals.
In the return leg at the Limbe Centenary Stadium, Victoria United once again proved too strong, claiming a 2–0 victory. Diboto opened the scoring just before half-time from the penalty spot in the 45th minute, before Ryan Tetego wrapped up the win late on with an 84th-minute strike.
Beyond competitive fixtures, Victoria United also recorded a resounding 5–0 win over PWD Bamenda in a friendly match in September 2023, a result that remains the heaviest scoreline between the two sides in recent years and still lingers in the memories of supporters.
A New-Look Opopo Side
Despite their recent dominance, Victoria United approach the new season with a significantly reshaped squad. Key players such as Ryan Tetego, Jude Enow and Wilfried Nathan have all exited the club, forcing the technical bench to rethink its attacking options.
However, the club has moved swiftly in the transfer market to reinforce the squad. Among the notable additions are Edward Lyonga from Cinyodev, Alonso Tchatat, and Dream Soccer Academy forward Agbor Ashu. These signings are expected to inject fresh energy and creativity into the team’s offensive play.
Edward Lyonga, in particular, is being tipped as one of the players to watch. Known for his technical ability, sharp football intelligence and composure on the ball, the midfielder could play a pivotal role in Victoria United’s title ambitions as the season unfolds.
Victoria United have been active during the pre-season, engaging in several friendly matches to fine-tune their squad. They have tested themselves against Mount Cameroon FC, EFFA and Avion Academy, while also playing a host of lower-profile preparatory games.
Most recently, on January 18, the team faced FC Team PRO. While these matches have helped the squad build match fitness and cohesion, questions remain about the overall strength of opposition faced.
Apart from Avion Academy, Victoria United have had limited exposure to top-tier Elite-level teams in their pre-season programme.
PWD Bamenda Reload and Refocus
For PWD Bamenda, the Anglophone derby offers an immediate opportunity for redemption. The Abakwa Boys endured a frustrating run against Victoria United last season and will be keen to turn the page under renewed motivation.
The club has been active in the transfer market, reinforcing multiple departments of the squad. Central defender Neossi Kameni Gilbert joins from North West Regional League side Dream Team, while Fongang Patrick Clovert has arrived from Mankon United. On the wings, Talikong Elwood Banter adds pace and flair after his move from Limbe-based ISOHSA.
These additions are expected to provide greater balance and attacking thrust to the PWD setup as they seek a stronger start to the new Elite One campaign.
Speaking ahead of the derby, PWD Bamenda’s Tama Wango expressed confidence in his team’s readiness, citing a long and structured pre-season.
Given that we started the pre-season almost two months ago, after several evaluations and physical tests, we believe the players are ready,” Wango said. “We have worked on our technical and tactical aspects, even though there are still small lapses we are correcting.”
Wango added that the psychological readiness of the squad has also been a major focus.
The management is putting everything in place so that before our first game, everybody is highly motivated. With the friendly matches we have played, I can say we are about 95 per cent ready to begin the championship.”
On facing a Victoria United side that beat them home and away last season, Wango struck a defiant tone.
That was last year. This is a new season, new spirit, new players and new motivation. The game is 50–50, and we are going there with determination, courage and fighting spirit.”
PWD Bamenda captain Ngufor Terence echoed the same optimism, calling on supporters to rally behind the team.
We have been training so hard, and I pray this season will be better for us,” Ngufor said. “We are 100 per cent ready, and we are going there to grab the trophies. I want the population to come out and support us, and I promise to give them the result back on the field.”
Kickoff of the game between Victoria United and PWD Bamenda at Limbe Centenary Stadium is set for 3:30 pm.
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