Canon Hold Unisport to Goalless Draw in Bafang

By Eyong Macdella 

Journalist,kick442.com-Cameroon

League leaders Unisport of Bafang were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at home by Canon Sportif of Yaoundé in the opening fixture of Matchday 18 of the 2025/26 MTN Elite One championship.

In front of a packed and electric crowd at the Bafang Municipal Stadium, fans witnessed one of the most intense and highly anticipated clashes of the season. Despite enjoying overwhelming home support, estimated at over 90 percent of the crowd, Unisport could not break down a determined Canon side.

From kickoff, it was evident Canon had arrived with a clear mission. The visitors were not interested in sitting back, while Unisport approached the encounter cautiously, fully aware that any costly mistake could affect their title ambitions.

Even before the match began, controversy surrounded Canon’s arrival. The Yaoundé-based club reportedly reached the stadium barely 30 minutes before kickoff and took unusual precautions, with players remaining on the team bus until they could head directly onto the pitch. After warming up, Canon players also changed on the field rather than using the dressing rooms.

On the pitch, Canon looked the sharper side in the opening half and created the better chances. Nathan Doualla was among the standout performers for the visitors, constantly troubling Unisport’s defense.

The attacker came close to opening the scoring on two occasions. Before the half-hour mark, Doualla beat the offside trap and raced through on goal, only to be denied by an excellent save from Unisport goalkeeper Yandeme.

Unisport had their defensive unit to thank for surviving Canon’s early pressure. Hermann Ngaffa, Freddy Lobe, and captain Fakam were all instrumental in keeping the visitors at bay as the hosts struggled to impose themselves in the first half.

Both teams went into the break level after an entertaining opening 45 minutes that kept supporters from both camps fully engaged, with chants and cheers echoing around the stadium.

The second half saw a shift in momentum as Unisport began to assert more control. The hosts pinned Canon deeper into their own half, winning several corners and dangerous throw-ins, but failed to turn their pressure into clear-cut chances.

Substitute Achille Fokem had Unisport’s best opportunity to snatch all three points, but his effort sailed wide of the target.

In the end, neither side could find the decisive breakthrough, as the tense contest ended in a goalless stalemate.

The result keeps Unisport at the top of the Elite One standings with 40 points, while Canon temporarily climb to third place with 28 points. Their final position, however, will depend on the outcome of the remaining Matchday 18 fixtures.