Mediem and Pagning on Target as Union See Off Apejes

By Oni Ladonette Ondesa

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

Union Sportive de Douala claimed their first home victory of the season with a solid 2–0 win over Apejes of Mfou at the Reunification Stadium Annex.

Les Nassara Kamakaï made their dominance count through goals from Samuel Mediem Norbeth and Michel Franck Pagning, in a game that could have produced more goals but for poor finishing and youthful indecision at both ends.

The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides feeling their way into the contest and spending the early minutes reading each other’s intentions.

Union eventually found a breakthrough in the 24th minute following a defensive lapse. Apejes’ Samuel Jonathan misjudged his clearance under pressure, allowing Union to pounce on the loose ball. Mediem Norbeth reacted quickest and kept his composure to fire the opener past the goalkeeper.

The goal gave Union confidence and they pushed for a second, enjoying more of the ball and territory. Apejes, despite their early naivety, regrouped well enough to limit the damage and went into the break trailing by a single goal.

The second half offered little change in tempo. Apejes saw more of the ball and created chances but lacked the cutting edge in front of goal, repeatedly sending efforts wide or over the bar. Even set pieces failed to trouble Union, despite a few clear openings.

Union doubled their lead in the 56th minute from the penalty spot. A corner kick caused panic in the Apejes box, and William Heleng was penalized for handling the ball. Michel Franck Pagning stepped up and calmly converted to make it 2–0.

In search of a third, coach Djonkep turned to his bench, introducing Fils Enopa, Donald Renaud and Junior Tagni in a triple substitution. The changes, however, failed to produce any tangible result. Tagni came closest shortly after his introduction but lacked the finesse to turn Enzo Borgne’s inviting cross into a goal.

Speaking after the match, Union centre-back Don Njoh attributed the teams missed chances to youthfulness, noting that the coaching staff is still fine-tuning tactical discipline. The victory sees Union join Astres and Avion as the Douala-based sides to record wins on matchday two.