By Boris Esono
Football Writer, Kick442.com-Cameroon
The much-anticipated anglophone derby between Bafmeng United and ISOHSA will take centre stage this Saturday, February, February 8 at the Bambili University Stadium in matchday 9 of the MTN Elite 2 football championship.
This will be the first meeting between both sides in the second-tier championship since both sides gained promotion. However, their rivalry traces back to the 2023 National Interpools final, where ISOHSA defeated Bafmeng United 2-0 in Yaoundé. Despite the victory, ISOHSA and Bafmeng United gained promotion together.
Albert Tiku – now with Union Douala and Brandon Babo scored the two goals for the side to emerge and Bafmeng United will undoubtedly be seeking revenge this time around.
Ahead of this crucial game, ISOHSA Coach Mbock Maput acknowledged the difficulty of the match but remains confident in his squad’s ability to secure another victory. “Well, it is an anglophone debut. It’s going to be tough but we are prepared. We are going to face Bafmeng, it will be tough but we are ready for the task,” Mbock Maput said.
Beyond the emotional significance of this derby, Group A leadership is at stake. The victory for ISOHSA at the Tiko Town Green Stadium on February 2, against Aigle Royal of the Menoua takes the side to the top of Group with 13 points, one ahead of Bafmeng United. For Bafmeng United, the side was held to a 2-2 draw against Union Sportive Abong Mbang.
A win for either side will be a massive boost in the race for the MTN Elite 1 championship promotion, making this clash more than just a battle for pride. In eight games played, ISOHSA has recorded 4 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats. The side has scored 9 goals and conceded 9, with a goal difference of minus 1. ISOHSA will thus need to work on their defence as the side continues to leak in many goals.
For Bafmeng United, the side has equally won 3 games, with 3 draws and 1 defeat. BUFA has been more prolific in front of goal and their defence too has been solid with 11 goals scored and 7 conceded.
Speaking after the match Against Aigle Menoua, ISOHSA head coach Joseph Mbock Maput praised the Tiko fans for their unwavering support. He said: “When coming to Tiko, I always have that impression that Tiko is my home because I have been winning games in Tiko as well. So, we are very happy with fans in Tiko, they came out massively to support us and they continue to give us this support because they should just keep on supporting and they shouldn’t criticize.”
The Anglophone derby promises to be intense, competitive and thrilling, with Group A supremacy and bragging rights on the line. With both teams having their eyes set on Elite 1 promotion, a win for any of the teams in this fixture could set the tone for the rest of their campaign.
All eyes will thus be turned to the Bambili University Stadium this Saturday as ISOHSA looks to repeat history and claim another victory over Bafmeng and Bafmeng United on their part looking to get their revenge and take back control of Group A.
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