By Boris Esono
Sportswriter, Kick442.com – Cameroon
Coton Sport of Garoua produced a composed and disciplined performance to defeat Victoria United 1–0 at the Limbe Centenary Stadium, securing a vital Matchday Three victory in the MTN Elite One championship. The result marked a historic moment, as it was the first time Victoria United had lost at home to Coton Sport in six meetings between the two sides.
Both teams came into the encounter eager to bounce back from mixed starts to the season. Victoria United were still recovering from a 3–1 defeat to Dynamo of Douala on Matchday Two, while Coton Sport had been held to a goalless draw by Aigle Royal of Moungo. With early-season pressure already building, the clash in Limbe promised intensity.
Backed by their home supporters, Victoria United started on the front foot. From the opening minutes, OPOPO showed clear attacking intent, pushing players forward in an effort to unsettle the visitors. Bryann Nana and Mahamat Aliou combined well early on, testing the Coton Sport defence, but the Garoua-based side remained organised, blocking shots and intercepting passes.
Despite Victoria United’s early dominance, it was Coton Sport who struck first. In the 10th minute, a lapse in concentration in the Victoria United midfield proved costly. Ahmadou Ahidjo capitalised on the mistake and calmly slotted home to give the visitors the lead, stunning the Limbe crowd and shifting the momentum of the game.
The goal settled Coton Sport, whose passing became more assured as they began to dictate the tempo. Their midfield worked tirelessly to cut off supply lines, while the defence stayed compact and disciplined, frustrating Victoria United’s attempts to respond.
Victoria United continued to press in search of an equaliser. Rattenski came close when he rose highest to meet a cross, but his header sailed just over the crossbar. Moments later, Sterly Peto also threatened, only to see his header flash across the face of goal and over the bar. The missed chances proved costly as Coton Sport held onto their lead heading into halftime.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Victoria United enjoyed spells of possession and pushed forward, while Coton Sport relied on experience, tactical awareness, and game management to protect their advantage. The visitors slowed the tempo when necessary and broke up play effectively.
As the minutes ticked away, frustration crept into Victoria United’s play. Despite their efforts, they struggled to break down a resilient Coton Sport defence, which held firm until the final whistle to seal a hard-fought victory.
The result handed Coton Sport their first win of the season and ended Victoria United’s unbeaten home record against them. It also reaffirmed Coton Sport’s reputation as one of the most tactically astute and experienced sides in the Elite One championship.
What the coaches said
Coton Sport head coach Alain Djibrilla expressed his satisfaction after the match, saying the team had worked hard to end their run of draws. He added that the victory should give his players confidence ahead of their next fixture against Stade Renard.
Victoria United coach David Ngambe acknowledged improvements despite the defeat. He noted that his team controlled the game better than in their previous outing but failed to take their chances, particularly late on. Ngambe also stressed the need to improve the psychological readiness of his young squad as they prepare for a difficult away trip to Bafang.
Attention now turns to Matchday Four, where Victoria United will look to bounce back against Unisport, while Coton Sport aim to build on their momentum when they face Stade Renard.
French 
English