By Angu Lesley
The curtain rises on the MTN Elite One 2026 season this Saturday evening in Bafang, where Unisport de Bafang host Aigle Royal de la Menoua in the opening fixture of Match Day One. Kick-off is set for 6:00 PM at the Bafang Municipal Stadium, as two newly promoted sides begin their journey in Cameroon’s top flight with a fiercely anticipated West derby.
Beyond the excitement of the opener, the build-up to the match has been marked by humility, mutual respect and measured ambition from both camps during Friday’s pre-match press conference.
For Aigle Royal, the return to Elite One represents the culmination of years of work. Head coach Koung Anicet was keen to underline that the club’s presence at this level is built on collective effort rather than individual glory.
I would like to acknowledge the good work done by all my predecessors to bring Aigle back to the top tier. We are here today because of what they did,” Koung Anicet said.
The Aigle coach struck a realistic tone about his team’s status, insisting that promotion does not immediately place them on the same footing as established Elite One sides.
We should be able to recognize the fact that Aigle is coming from the second tier. We humbly accept our current status vis-à-vis other clubs who were already in the top tier,” he added.
That sense of realism is echoed within the squad. Team captain Cécile Meyeke made it clear that the club’s primary mission this season is survival, while calling on supporters to play their part from the stands.
Our main objective this season is to maintain the team in Elite One. To our fans, we will give our best on the pitch tomorrow, so we expect a massive turnout from them,” the captain said.
On the other side, Unisport de Bafang approach the opener with confidence but caution. Head coach Laurent Djam acknowledged the quality and balance of Aigle Royal, highlighting their recent performances beyond the domestic league.
Aigle Royal is a good team with a good balance. I can’t say I have 100% knowledge of them, but they have good signings like Blaise Ndiforchu, Fansu and others. They played well in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round and also performed well during the pre-season tournament in Bafoussam,” Djam noted.
The match will be officiated by Martin Ze Mengatta, a newly promoted FIFA referee, assisted by Dimitri Pande and Olinga Fandjieng, with Yannick Fodouop serving as fourth official — another symbol of fresh beginnings on a night that celebrates new faces in Cameroon’s elite football scene.
As the Elite One season gets underway, Saturday’s encounter is about more than three points. It is about setting the tone, measuring progress, and proving readiness for life at the highest level. With pride, preparation and regional rivalry all in play, Unisport vs Aigle Menoua promises to deliver a compelling opening chapter to the 2026 campaign.
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