Orok James Penalty Seals Winning Start for Kumba City in Elite Two

By Oni Ladonette 

Sports Journalist,kick442.com-Cameroon

Kumba City FC marked their return to the professional ranks with a 1-0 victory over Bafmeng United as the Elite Two Championship kicked off across the national territory on Saturday January 31, 2025.

James Orock was the hero for the hosts, converting a 48th minute penalty to settle a tense encounter at the iconic GPS field. The player’s composure from the spot proved the difference in a match where clear-cut opportunities were otherwise at a premium.

The fixture carried significance far beyond the three points, representing Kumba’s first taste of Elite Two football. A capacity crowd turned out to witness the homecoming, with the local faithful joined by a significant traveling contingent from Bafmeng, creating an atmosphere that belied the early-season rust on the pitch.

Despite the occasion, the first half was a cagey affair. Kumba City gaffer Mbaboh Moses fielded a heavily revamped side captained by Cyril Obase and featuring new recruits Sawai Kelly , Che Clinton Ofon and Ignatius Ojong, a former player of Ngoketunjia and Istanbul FA. While the hosts controlled large periods of play and carved out several openings, a lack of clinical edge, likely due to a combination of inexperience and a long competitive layoff, kept the game scoreless at the interval.

Bafmeng United remained a threat throughout, matching Kumba’s physicality and creating several chances of their own. However, like the hosts, they lacked the final ball required to break the deadlock.

The stalemate was eventually broken few minutes into the second half as Kumba City FC were handed a penalty. Orock James stepped up and calmly converted to send the Kumba City fans into pandemonium.

The 1-0 scoreline was enough to satisfy the Kumba supporters who have waited years for the club to taste Elite 2 footballers. While Moses will look to sharpen his side’s efficiency in the final third, the defensive resilience shown to see out the win provides a solid foundation for the campaign ahead.

Kumba City will stay at home to welcome Racing of Bafoussam on Matchday two on Saturday, February 7. For Bafmeng United, they will hope to put this defeat behind them when they welcome FC Yaoundé 2 in Bamenda on the same day.