By Boris Esono
The Limbe Centenary Stadium was the centre of attraction over the weekend as fans were treated to spectacular action as both ISOHSA and Victoria United secured impressive victories on Sunday, January 14.
ISOHSA triumphed over Fovu Club of Baham 4-2 on matchday 5 of Elite 2, while Victoria United defeated AS Fortuna 3-1 on matchday 7 of the Elite 1 championship.
ISOHSA Dismantles Fovu in six-goal thriller
The Peoples Royal Elephant of ISOHSA showed their class as they continued their unbeaten run in the Elite 2 championship claiming all three points against Fovu with Rattensi, Samekomba and Mendo the scorers for the Limbe-based side.
ISOHSA were, however, made to work for the result as Fovu Club had a different idea, taking the lead just four minutes into the game, forcing an own goal from Ngange Wilson. The goal did not deter ISOHSA who found their way back in the 35th minute through Ghangle Rattensi, as both sides headed into the break scores even.
In the second half, it was ISOHSA that came out of the break the sharpest and quickly took the lead again. This time, it is Richard Samekomba, who gave the Peoples Royal Elephant the vital lead at the 47th minute, sparking joyous scenes from the home fans. Three minutes later, ISOHSA were awarded a penalty after Rattensi was brought down in the penalty area. Akono Mendo stepped up at gave ISOHSA a breathing space with the side’s third goal of the game.
Fovu Club who are yet to record a victory so far, pull another goal back in the 55th minute of play. With the game poised at 3-2 at this point, Fovu Club smelled blood and continued pushing for the equalizer but a strong defensive wall mounted by ISOHSA repelled all the attacks.
With minutes to the end of the game, Ghangle Rattensi will put the game to bed, scoring his second goal of the game, giving ISOHSA a 4-2 lead. The side will hold on and with the referee’s blast of the whistle, the three points were finally ISOHSA’s.
This is the third victory for ISOHSA in four games played in the Elite 2 championship. ISOHSA is currently second in Pool A with 10 points, 1 point behind leaders Bafmeng United with the latter having played a game more. ISOHSA is also one of three sides in Group A that is yet to taste a defeat.
The next encounter will see ISOHSA travel to the East to face Union Sportive of Abong-Mbang. Meantime, Fovu Club will continue searching for their first victory against Tonnerre Kalara Club.
10-man Victoria United Prevails over AS Fortuna
In the second encounter, all eyes were focused on reigning Elite 1 champions Victoria United who welcomed AS Fortuna. Despite playing a significant portion of the game with just ten men, Victoria United powered their way to their fourth victory in the Elite 1 championship.
Rayan Tetego opened the scoring for Victoria United in the 19th minute, and Wilfried Nathan Doualla doubled the lead with a penalty just before halftime. AS Fortuna pulled one back in first-half stoppage time through Marc Fredy Tsala, setting up a tense second half.
Victoria United faced adversity early in the second half when Ewane Fils received a red card for a dangerous play. However, the defending champions displayed remarkable discipline and composure, sealing their victory with a late goal from Laurian Nguefack deep into stoppage time.
Victoria United coach David Ngambe praised his team’s fighting spirit: “It was a hard-fought victory, but we had to respond. After the defeat we had the other day in Yaoundé, it was a very difficult defeat for us. We had the objectives we had to achieve.”
AS Fortuna coach Mardochee Ngaba said: “Unfortunately, as you have seen, we feel very bad. Indeed, we came here to look for a 0-0. But unfortunately, we couldn’t get it. We prepared a team for a week. We hoped we could get it for this game… But we promised that our next game will never be like that again. Starting Monday, I think we will have our licenses. And we will do everything to get to the playoffs.”
The victory takes Victoria United to third on the unofficial classification table with 13 points after 7 days of play. The side is 4 points behind league leader Colombe Sportive as the race to win the league this year intensifies.
For AS Fortuna, this is now their 5th loss in 7 games. Fortuna is currently in the relegation with 6 points recorded. Things will need to change fast for the side if they are to avoid being relegated.
The next meeting for Victoria United will be at home as the side welcomes Dynamo of Douala, while AS Fortuna will face Aigle Royal of Moungo on matchday 8.
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