By Boris Esono
Sportswriter Kick442.com-Cameroon
Victoria United returned to winning ways on Sunday, February 15, defeating Aigle Royal of the Menoua 3-1 at the Limbe Centenary Stadium in a Matchday Five encounter of the MTN Elite One championship.
Heading into the game on the back of three successive defeats to Dynamo Douala, Coton Sport and Unisport Bafang, Victoria United – popularly known as OPOPO – approached the fixture with caution. The pressure was evident as the hosts sought to avoid a fourth straight loss.
Aigle Royal of the Menoua started brightly, with their marksman Ndiforchu Blaise causing problems for the Victoria United defence. However, OPOPO’s backline stood firm, repelling the early attacks and gradually settling into the game.
Victoria United’s first clear opportunity arrived in the 39th minute when Rudolf Lyonga sent his effort wide. Moments later, Laurian Nguedia tested goalkeeper Michel Fansu, who parried the ball out for a corner.
Brayann Nana and Bill Diboto Step Up
The breakthrough came deep into first-half stoppage time when referee Mbomba Martin awarded Victoria United a penalty despite protests from Aigle supporters. Brayann Nana stepped up in the 45+4 minute and calmly slotted home to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break.
Victoria United resumed the second half with renewed confidence and quickly doubled their advantage. In the 48th minute, Aigle conceded another penalty after a handball from a free kick delivered by Nana. Substitute Maurice Bill Diboto converted from the spot to make it 2-0.
Controversy followed when referee Mbomba Martin awarded a third penalty to Victoria United in the 58th minute. The decision sparked protests from Aigle players, who briefly sat on the pitch in disbelief, while their coach voiced frustration from the sidelines. Despite the dissent, Diboto maintained composure to score his second of the afternoon, extending the lead to 3-0.
Aigle Royal refused to give up and were rewarded in the 62nd minute when Ndiforchu Blaise pulled one back to make it 3-1. The goal injected fresh energy into the visitors, who pushed forward in search of another.
Victoria United were later awarded a fourth penalty, but Mahamat Aliou saw his effort saved by Fansu, with the rebound striking the crossbar, keeping the scoreline unchanged.
Ngambe: “A Psychological Relief”
Victoria United head coach David Ngambe described the victory as a major psychological boost for his youthful squad following three consecutive defeats.
It’s a big relief,” Ngambe said. “When you come from three losses in a row, it’s never easy, especially with a young team that is discovering the Elite One championship for the first time. Losing three straight matches can weigh heavily on the players mentally.”
He stressed the importance of psychological preparation in turning the tide.
You have to look at it from a psychological perspective to re-mobilise the group. It wasn’t easy, it was difficult, but at the end of the day, securing the three points gives you satisfaction and confidence moving forward.”
Addressing the multiple penalties awarded during the game, Ngambe defended both the referee’s decisions and his team’s tactical approach.
A penalty is part of the game. It comes from fouls committed in the box. A match can have four, five, or even ten penalties if there are fouls. We cannot ignore them simply because people feel there are too many,” he explained.
On their opponents, Ngambe noted that Aigle Royal of Menoua showed two different faces during the encounter.
In the first half, they played with a compact block. In the second half, they tried to push forward and take more risks, but I felt they lacked physical freshness to sustain that pressure until the end,” he observed.
In the second half, we focused on staying calm and managing the game better. We will continue preparing with serenity and work on controlling matches when we have the advantage.”
A Difficult Defeat
Aigle Royal of Menoua head coach Koung Anicet acknowledged defeat with sportsmanship following his side’s 3-1 loss. “I feel like a coach of a team that has lost, so first of all, congratulations to our opponents,” Anicet said.
They are a very good team, and they managed to convert three penalties, even four were awarded, though one was missed. We can only commend them for their efficiency.”
The coach admitted the result was difficult to take, but remained measured in his reaction. “It’s not easy to lose 3-1. We will go back home, rest, and calmly analyse what happened today,” he stated.
When asked about Victoria United’s youthful squad, Anicet maintained his praise.
They are a good team. They took their chances from the penalties and managed the game well,” he added.
Despite the setback, the Aigle Menoua tactician stressed the need to regroup and move forward.
We will digest this defeat, correct our mistakes, and see how we respond in the next match,” he concluded.
The victory ends Victoria United’s losing streak and provides a timely boost ahead of their Matchday Six trip to face Aigle Royal of the Moungo on February 22. Meanwhile, Aigle Royal of the Menoua will return home to host Stade Renard of Melong as they look to bounce back from the defeat.
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